Technology academy plans approved

The academy will specialise in science and digital technologies

Plans to turn an East Sussex school into an academy have been given the go-ahead by the government.

East Sussex County Council said the plans, for Eastbourne Technology College, were intended to raise education standards across the town.

The all-ability academy, planned to open in 2010, would form the "heart of the community", it said.

The council is jointly sponsoring the academy with Sussex Downs College and Brighton University.

Detailed planning

It said the academy would initially be housed in the school's existing buildings, with a target to open a new building in 2013.

The proposals were sent to the government last month, and can now move on to more detailed planning and public consultation.

The academy will specialise in science and digital technologies.

"We can now move on to the next exciting stage which involves talking to people, finding out what they want and filling in more of the detail about the project," said Councillor David Elkin.

"We really want to know what everyone thinks and get their ideas and input so I would encourage people to get involved and come along to as many meetings as possible."