EDUCATION bosses have launched a nationwide search for multi-millionaire sponsors for three new academies.

Bosses at Durham County Council want charities, businesses and religious groups to help pay for the academies, in the Consett, Stanley and Durham City areas.

They would contribute up to £2m in return for control of the newly built secondary schools.

Adverts asking potential academy sponsors to come forward have gone out across the country.

The council is also keen to discuss joint sponsorship deals, where it would meet half the cost and share control.

Authorities in Sunderland and Manchester have already taken this option.

Councillor Claire Vasey, Durham County Council cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "This would allow the council and sponsors to develop jointly a clear and purposeful partnership from the beginning, with each side bringing specific expertise and drive to the project.

"We are looking for sponsors with a passion for educational improvement and who are committed to working in long-term partnership with the county council, other schools and local communities.

"This will enhance the existing levels of school and county council expertise in the field of educational achievement and help us provide diversity in school provision and increased parental choice."

The council said sponsors must share its vision for the academy and be accepted by the council and the governing bodies of any schools they replaced.

Previously three schools - Moorside Community College, in Consett, Stanley School of Technology, and Gilesgate Sports College and Sixth Form Centre, near Durham City - were identified as candidates for closure.

Coun Vasey said no final decision to build an academy would be made without discussions with all stakeholders.

She said: "The search for sponsors will be open and transparent and our current advertising is the first step along the way."

Coun Vasey said potential sponsors would meet senior councillors, council officers and headteachers of the relevant schools.

Once a sponsor is chosen, there would be further talks before a proposal to go ahead is made to the Government.