Under the plan, Castledown School in Ludgershall would work in partnership with Wellington College in Berkshire.

The year-long study will look at the school's design, how the curriculum would be delivered and how the Wellington link would actually work.

It will also consider how military links could be developed and how to include a boarding element.

John Pender, head teacher of Castledown School, said: "The opportunity that academy status and resources will bring, coupled with the ability to combine our expertise with that of Wellington College, will take us on to the next stage of our development."

The academy is planned to open in September 2009.