Plans for a new academy on the site of Morton School in Carlisle will be discussed by Cumbria County Council's cabinet next Tuesday (13 March).
The county council has been consulting on the Carlisle school's future following Ofsted's decision to place it in 'special measures' for a second time earlier this year.
Several public meetings have been held and questionnaires circulated on proposals for Morton to form a collaborative partnership with Caldew School.
The results from that consultation, which will be discussed by cabinet when it meets next week, will recommend closer working between the two schools and will also propose the creation of a new academy at Morton.
The development of an academy at Morton would see new investment in state of the art facilities and help attract the best leaders and teachers to drive forward further educational improvements for pupils in the west of the city.
The creation of an academy would also help ensure local views and wishes are fully taken into account by preventing the need for a competition to run the new school which the Department for Education and Skills now says would need to take place if Morton was closed and opened again as a new school.
If the plans are approved by councillors next week, the county council will begin discussions with potential sponsors of the new academy.
A new academy will not appear immediately and Morton will still be required to improve the education it provides in collaboration with Caldew School who will be providing expertise and support in part, through a new executive headship.
Last year, the county council announced plans for an academy on the site of St.Aidan's School in the city. These plans will not be affected by any decision to create a second academy at Morton.
Councillor Chappelhow, cabinet member responsible for Children's Services in Cumbria, said: "The standard of education at Morton School has not been acceptable and we have already taken to take swift action to rectify this.
"These proposals are the next step in providing children in the area with the high quality education and facilities they deserve.
"In introducing these proposals we have one very simple aim: to improve the education and life chances of the young people in the area.
"The plan we are publishing will continue the strong collaborative arrangements between Morton and Caldew Schools which we have already put in place; provide fresh investment for the creation of a new academy on the Morton site; and help to retain a strong local voice in the education of Carlisle's children.
"As with our existing proposals for the creation of an academy in the south of the city, we want to make sure this new academy is very much part of the family of schools in Carlisle."
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Follow this link to view the cabinet paper on Morton School