 Christian groups see opportunities in the new academies |
Plans to press ahead with Sheffield's first academy schools have been given approval by the city council. The United Learning Trust (ULT) wants to turn Waltheof and Myrtle Springs into academies due to open in 2006.
The application includes plans for a joint "14 to 19" centre offering a mix of academic and vocational courses and a sixth form at Myrtle Springs.
An "expression of interest" is now being submitted by the council to education ministers.
The two schools will close and new buildings will be built on the sites.
 |  New investment will give pupils the opportunity to learn in state-of-the-art surroundings  |
Each of the academies will have specialist areas; business and enterprise for Waltheof and performing arts and technology for Myrtle Springs.
Councillor for education, Angela Smith, said: "These new academies will provide a great opportunity for new facilities and buildings that will help both the schools and the community as a whole.
"New investment will give pupils the opportunity to learn in state-of-the-art surroundings, giving them the best possible chances to reach their potential."
ULT, a subsidiary of the United Church Schools Trust, already sponsors academies in Manchester, Northampton and Lambeth.
Facilities in Paddington in London and Salford are scheduled to open in 2006, while plans are also in place for an academy in Barnsley.
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