Views sought over academy schools

Plans for three academy schools in County Durham are being put before parents and teachers.

The academies will replace existing schools in Durham City, Stanley and Consett and are due to open in 2012.

Consultation documents outlining the plans have been distributed to parents via schools and to the wider communities affected.

The government will fund the bulk of the costs involved, with local sponsors providing up to £2m per school.

Durham County Council said an academy for Durham City would have 1,200 places for pupils aged 11 - 16 and would replace Belmont School Community Arts College and Durham Gilesgate Sports College.

New facilities

The proposed academy for Stanley would have 1,800 places and replace Stanley School of Technology, Greencroft Business and Enterprise Community School and Tanfield School Specialist College of Science and Engineering.

In Consett the proposed academy would have 1,500 places and replace Moorside Community Technology College and Consett Community Sports College.

Claire Vasey, cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "The development of academies in County Durham provides us with the opportunity to have brand new school facilities for 21st century teaching and learning.

"As we move forward it is vital that we have the views of people in the communities concerned.

"We particularly want to hear the views of people with children currently at nursery and primary schools, as these are the pupils who would ultimately attend the academies."

The consultation process will run until March.