WORK has begun on the building of a controversial, multi-million pound city academy.

Contractors have moved on to the earmarked site in east Middlesbrough, and started excavation and investigation work.

The academy, which will cater for 1,200 pupils, should be completed in April 2003.

All pupils and staff will have their own computer, networked to each other and to the Internet, and a work-focused curriculum with links to businesses in Teesside.

Project director Richard Jenner said: "Plans are progressing well on this exciting project, which will turn the vision of a high-tech centre of education into a reality.

"Our aim is to equip students with the range of skills that will prepare them for the employment market of tomorrow.

"We also aim to assist the whole school community of Middlesbrough, including students and teachers, in raising attainment and reaching their full potential."

The academy will mean the demolition of two adjacent comprehensives, Keldholme and Langbaurgh Schools.

This is despite protests, threats of possible legal action from one of the teaching unions - and questions about Education Secretary David Blunkett's intervention, during a consultation exercise.

Neighbouring St Anthony's RC Secondary will also close, despite a vigorous campaign to keep it open.

Parents upset with the position taken by the diocese are taking their children out of the Catholic education system.

A trust made up of the business support services company Amey, the Department for Education and the local education authority, will take over the running of Keldholme and Langbaurgh in September next year.

The position of principal for the academy is being advertised.

Mr Jenner, who is with Amey, said: "We will be issuing soon, as much information as possible to help primary school children and their parents make their choice of secondary school this autumn."

Ron Newitt, who is headteacher of both doomed schools, said: "The city academy is the next generation of education for young people in east Middlesbrough, a new kind of learning centre with the emphasis on modern technology in all its forms."

City academies are a Government initiative to combat underachievement in inner cities and raise educational standards