Council backs academy proposals

Stockton Council has backed plans to close three secondary schools and replace them with academies.

NHS Stockton-on-Tees is the lead sponsor for a proposed North Stockton academy while Teesside University will sponsor the second, in Thornaby.

If approved, Blakeston School Community Sports College, Norton School Humanities College and Thornaby Community School will shut.

The final decision will be made by the Secretary of State on 10 January.

Stockton Council's cabinet made its recommendation following a two-month period of public consultation over the plans, which will affect about 1,600 pupils.

There will now be a further six weeks during which the public has a second opportunity to submit written representations.

If the scheme goes ahead, the new buildings are likely to be ready be September 2013.

Both would be co-sponsored by a consortium of the council, Stockton Riverside College and Stockton Sixth Form College.