SUNDERLAND'S new Church of England Secondary School could be operating by September 2002, following a decision on where to site the development.

Plans have been drawn up to build the school on part of Ryhope Golf Course, in Tunstall. The decision, to be announced today, follows a search by Sunderland Local Education Authority and the Diocese of Durham.

Catering for 11 to 16-year-olds, the proposed school would admit up to 240 11-year-olds as part of the city's normal admissions round. It could eventually offer up to 1,200 places for Sunderland's secondary-age pupils.

The school has been planned to ease increasing pressure for secondary school places in the south of the city. The majority of places will be for local pupils, but up to a quarter of places could be reserved on the basis of denominational preference.

The Department for Education and Employment has yet to confirm funding, but the indications are that money is in place for the school.

Canon David Whittington, Diocesan director of education, said: "We are delighted to be playing a part in this significant development."

John Williams, Sunderland's director of education, added: "There's a very great need for a new secondary school in this area of Sunderland and we've looked long and hard to find a suitable site."