CONTROVERSIAL plans for a City Academy for east Cleveland have come a step closer to reality.

The idea for an academy, which would involve private sponsorship, was suggested as a solution to falling numbers at three secondary schools.

The schools in question are Warsett, in Brotton, De Brus, in Skelton, and Rosecroft, in Loftus.

It has already been decided that the sites should be amalgamated in September.

A report into the viability of replacing them with a City Academy, which could open by September 2003, suggests that the idea is generally favoured by those concerned.

The report states: "A large majority of those interviewed were in favour of the City Academy, either as a hub and satellite, or as one building on a new site.

"It was widely held that an innovative, high quality and high profile facility would be worth any associated disadvantages. 'Why shouldn't our kids have the best?' was a widely expressed view."

But the report admits that those who disagree with the proposal hold equally strong views.

It states: "For some, any closure of school buildings in one or other of the communities was tantamount to a further erosion of the community's sense of worth - 'It would be like a mine closing', was how one interviewee regarded it."

The consultations, involving parents, councillors, governors, teachers and wider communities, followed an indication from the Government that it would support a City Academy.

The report proposes that further consultations be held on the three options for a City Academy on a single site, as a hub and satellite or on three sites.

Redcar and Cleveland councillors are expected to agree to establish an East Cleveland City Academy Partnership and appoint a consultant to prepare meetings today.