West Sussex County Council has announced it wants to officially close the Lancing secondary school on August 31, 2009, and re-open it as an academy on the same site the following day - September 1.

The Woodard Corporation, which founded Lancing College, has been working with county council with a view to transforming Boundstone, King's Manor Community College, Shoreham, and Littlehampton Community School into academies.

Woodard is a charitable Church of England organisation which owns or runs 40 independent and state schools across Britain.

Boundstone head teacher Richard Evea, who will retire at the end of the summer term after six years as head, backs the plans to turn the school into an independent academy.

He said: "The case for a new building is irrefutable. We have got some of the worst building stock in West Sussex. If we don't take this opportunity it could be eight, nine or even 10 year before the school is rebuilt."

Although the plans have been opposed by some staff at the three schools and parents, Mr Evea said: "Anyone who is anxious about the changes should ask themselves a simple question. Will this change improve the life chances of our young people? There is a simple answer - hugely."

The scheme will have to be agreed by the Secretary of State and parents and the public now have six week to comment on the plans.

The can send their comments to Mike Wilson, head of special projects, Room 112a, County Hall, Chichester, PO19 1RF or email them to mike.wilson@westsussex.gov.uk by 5pm on June 12.

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