City education bosses want to build the academy on the site of the former Mary Linwood School. The government will have to give final approval.

The �20m academy, which will have both private and public investment, will have specialist departments.

The council said it would provide 'first-class education' but unions previously criticised the plans.

'Big boost'

The development in Saffron, for pupils aged three to 16, will see Newry Junior School and Southfields Infant School close down.

It will be sponsored by the Church of England, while city businessman David Samworth will put in the �2m of private sponsorship required.

City council leader councillor Ross Willmott said: "The academy will provide a first-class education for young people in one of the most deprived areas of the city.

"It will also help towards the regeneration of the area and give a big boost to the local community."

Disadvantaged areas

If approved by the government, the academy will open in September 2007.

Teaching unions previously said the academy would take focus away from problems in schools elsewhere.

A total of 17 academies are already up and running across the country.