A NORTH-EAST council is considering giving approval to three privately sponsored academies.
And yesterday motor magnate Sir Peter Vardy declared his willingness to invest £6m in backing the venture. But Sunderland City Council made it clear it is also having talks with two other sponsors.
Academies have come in for criticism nationally for disadvantaging other schools and unions are worried because such educational establishments are taken out of LEA control.
The Government has also come under fire on the academies front accused of pressing local authorities to allow the establishment of academies or run the risk of losing vital BSF (Building Schools for the Future) cash to rebuild outdated secondary schools.
At Sunderland City Council, a special working party has been set up to examine the creation of three academies as an integral part of its £95.4m BSF bid. And while he would not comment on Sir Peter's offer, council leader Bob Symonds said his authority was still in talks with the academy working group.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article