THE headteacher of a £20m school has set out his vision for the future.

Richard Coupe will be the principal of the King's Academy, which opens in south Middlesbrough next September, with 1,250 places, including a sixth form.

The school's prospectus pledges: "Our goal will be the emergence of highly skilled, well qualified, confident, enterprising, creative and moral citizens who are ready for the adult world."

In the prospectus, Mr Coupe says that his school will be "committed to stretching the most academically gifted and enabling all our students to fulfil their full potential - both in the classroom and in the extensive additional activities outside the classroom".

He said: "Excellence in sports, the creative arts and in technology will complement superb educational attainment at the academy and all this within a framework of respect and clear expectations which cherishes the individual child, whatever his or her needs may be.''

Pupils from Coulby Newham and Brackenhoe School, which are to close next year, will transfer to the academy, which is part sponsored by the Vardy Foundation.

This caused some controversy when it was first revealed as the organisation has been associated with creationist religious beliefs but has rejected fears that children attending the academy could be brain-washed.

The school's admission zone will be the same for the two schools it will replace although the admission zone for over-16s will be extended to include those students living within a reasonable travelling distance.