Staunton and Swank in school film

The Vera Drake star lost out to her new co-star at the Oscars

Vera Drake star Imelda Staunton is to join Oscar winner Hilary Swank in the high school drama Freedom Writers.

Filming on the story, which is based on real events at a gang-ridden school in California, starts next month, industry newspaper the Hollywood Reporter said.

Staunton, who appeared in Vera Drake, lost out to Swank at the Academy Awards last year.

The British actress, who also appeared in children's film Nanny McPhee, will play a teacher in Freedom Writers.

Million Dollar Baby actress Swank takes the lead role as an English language teacher in charge of a class of racially diverse students.

R&B singer Mario also has a part in the film, which is based on a book by Erin Gruwell.