The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has won $3.5 million, through the federal government’s Capital Grants Program, to help with construction of the high school in Maitland’s east.

Dubbed St Bede’s, the facility is being built next to St Aloysius primary school, which opened for students last year.

"This funding greatly assists us to provide the best possible facilities in our existing and new schools, so that students can learn in conditions that really support and encourage their intellectual development and in communities that nourish their faith and humanity too," Bishop Bill Wright said.

Director of Schools Ray Collins said the funding would complement the growth strategies of the Catholic Schools Office.