The school was recently developed at a cost of �1.2m

The idea was put forward by the government's Department for Education and Skills (DfES) in July 2006.

But some 76% of those responding to a council consultation opposed the idea.

Concerns were raised over a potential waste of public money involved in closing a primary school, only recently developed at a cost of �1.2m.

'New idea'

Council officials will now recommend the plan is rejected when it comes before the full cabinet on 22 February.

Councillor Steve Comer, deputy council leader said: "It is, perhaps, understandable that local people were worried about the apparent waste of public money and felt the need to have more time to consider the idea and its impact on their children.

"This new idea for an 'all-through' academy (for children from three to 18) was introduced to parents by the DfES very late in the process.

"However, there remains strong support for the ambitious proposal for an academy for students aged 11-18, which the cabinet fully backs as an important opportunity to strengthen secondary education in the area.