The new building would initially open on the Headlands school site in Stratton, from next September.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) - and some residents - vociferously opposed the council's plans at a meeting on Wednesday evening.

More consultation is now planned before a decision is made by government. The academy would be run by the Christian organisation, United Learning Trust.

The not-for-profit charity is currently involved in 11 academies nationally, and says it provides "...high-quality education based on the Christian principles of service and tolerance".

Academies are not value for money Phil Baker, NUT

Martin Baker, from ULT, told the BBC it was working in partnership with car-maker Honda to provide the necessary finance for the academy.

"We have two months now to consult and make sure that we get the structures and organisation spot on to meet local needs."

Academies are joint ventures between the government, which provides the main bulk of funding, and sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups which take a stake in return for providing some capital.

They are opposed by some unions, including the NUT.

Phil Baker, from the NUT, said: "Academies are not value for money. And there is an issue of giving schools over to a private trust."