The Maiden Gully school is expected to open to year 7 and 8 students in 2015. 

Project manager and chairperson of the establishment committee Dennis Higgins said official construction started on January 13. 

 "We hope to have 1200 students by 2019, which will be the first year of year 12," he said.

Mr Higgins said the land was initially purchased in 2008. 

"It's been a long gestation period," he said. 

"The new principal has an outstanding background and high-quality staff have been appointed, so quality education will be a feature." 

Mr Higgins said students already had their uniforms and were excited to start at the new college. 

"It will add to the already outstanding educational visions of Bendigo," he said.