An educational charity is set to be named as the preferred sponsor of a proposed new primary school in Putney.

Oasis Community Learning is expected to be confirmed by town hall once councillors on the education and children's services overview and scrutiny committee have met next week.

The charity is Christian organisation the Oasis Trust, founded by Baptist minister Rev Steve Chalke in 2004.

The new 420-pupil primary school is earmarked for construction on the vacant Putney Hospital site, on Putney Common, to cater for rising pupil numbers.

It will be funded through the sale of 24 luxury flats which are to built on the northern end of the suggested plot of common land.

According to the latest population figures, published by the Greater London Authority, the number of children being born in the borough rose from 4,359 in 2003 to 5,477 in 2011.

The latest projections show Wandsworth will need around 24 additional classes by September 2020 to ensure there are enough places for the borough's children.

But the proposals to build on public common land have been met with stern opposition from the Friends of Putney Common, formed to protect the greenspace from development, who believe there are serious traffic and environmental issues to consider.

Oasis' website describes the organisation's ethos as: "Our ethos is an expression of our character - an expression of our character. It is a statement of who we are and therefore the lens through which we assess all we do.

"The work of Oasis Community Learning is motivated and inspired by the life, message and example of Christ.

Oasis Community Learning was the country's most improved and fastest growing academy chain last year.

At secondary level it saw a ten per cent increase in students achieving five-plus GCSEs at A*-C grade (including maths and English). By September this year it will be managing 36 academies across the country.

But despite the Christian background of Oasis, Wandsworth Council say the school will be "fully inclusive and non-denominational".

Oasis already run academies in Croydon, Bristol and Birmingham.