TEACHING unions are warning that the planned Accrington Academy "will end in tears" - but a head teacher has insisted it will enhance education.

The head of Moorhead Sports College has said that the academy planned to replace the school will accelerate ongoing improvements in education for Accrington.

But in its official response to consultation over the scheme, which ends on Wednesday the National Union of Teachers (NUT) has slammed Lancashire County Council for approving it.

Lancashire's NUT branch is urging the council to reconsider its plans for the academy, describing it as "the worst educational proposal we have ever seen".

The NUT, the largest union of its type in the country, has opposed the academy from the outset.

Moorhead headteacher Andrew Bateman said: "From what I understand, the community has welcomed the academy plan.

"Their response to the consultation has been largely positive at the public meetings because they see that it is an exciting future investment and development in Accrington's education, which will accelerate the great improvements we have made in the last four years."

He added: "Having post-16 education will be of benefit to the whole community."

Its official response, division secretary Ken Cridland outlines reasons to object to the academy, which will be similar to one planend in Darwen.

A primary concern is the "privatisation" of the school, and loss of local democratic accountability - academies have sparked controversy nationwide because although they are largely state-funded, they are legally independent and private sponsors appoint the majority of governors and control the curriculum.

Mr Cridland also states that private control means increased selection, as academies set their own admissions policy, and also has ramifications on staff pay, because academies set their own conditions outside of national frameworks.

Another objection is that rather than make pupils' education better, "evidence shows that curriculum changes used by academies are aimed at gaining league table movement by choosing questionable courses that provide multiple GCSE equivalent grades".

Finally, the NUT says academies, "break up the family of local schools" by reinforcing competition based on league tables and adding to the segregation of students on the basis of race and class.

Mr Cridland adds: "The council consultation fails to mention that once control is handed over, parental rights under law are much reduced and rights of access to information are also much reduced."

The 1,150-place academy will have a joint specialism of maths and sport and include a 250-place sixth form, making it the only major A-Level centre in Hyndburn.

Work on the academy is due to begin in September.