The Unity City Academy will provide state-of-the-art facilities

Building work on the new site in Middlesbrough is nearly finished and officials are finalising details before pupils move in.

The academy opened in September 2002 through the merger of Keldholme and Langbaurgh schools, but operating out of the two former school buildings.

Academy Principal Eddie Brady praised staff and pupils for their cooperation.

The new 1200-pupil academy for 11 to16 year olds is funded by the government, in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and sponsors Amey plc.

Important investment

Mr Brady said he was looking forward to moving into the new buildings.

He said: "It has been a long road, and a turbulent couple of years.

"We brought together 1,200 pupils and 90% of staff from the two schools and they have been fantastic and all got on really well.

"For the past two years we have been working really hard to make the changes and the move into the new building.

"We get the building on 31 May, then more work needs to be done internally before 28 June when the students move in."

The academy has been designed around state-of-the-art facilities.

Mr Brady said: "It is really important and is an indication of the investment the government wants to make in the area and no less than the community and students deserve.

"It is also important in terms of the facilities it will bring not only for full-time students but the part-time learners we are attracting in evening classes."