Plans for second academy

Promethean founder and chairman Tony Cann confirmed he had already met with Blackburn with Darwen Council, to discuss the project which would create a multi-million pound super-school specialising in maths and science.

Mr Cann, who lives in the Ribble Valley, confirmed that his charitable trust has secured the money needed to sponsor an Academy.

As sponsor, Mr Cann, would contribute £2million towards building costs and would be given control of the school and curriculum, receiving the entire school budget from the Government.

Existing Academies in other areas have caused controversy as they involve the transfer of publicly funded assets to an unaccountable independent sponsoring body. Mr Cann, who owns Blackburn-based TDS Group, said: "Education is the key to the future for individuals and the country, and unless we improve the level of education we will have a second class nation.

"Now we have got the funding we can work on our plans and turn this into a reality."

The news comes just days after Darwen's £35million Academy, sponsored by Capita boss Rod Aldridge, was given the official go-ahead.

Although talks have taken place with Blackburn with Darwen Council, Mr Cann could not confirm that the Academy would be sited in Blackburn or how many pupils could attend the school.

Blackburn's education boss, Councillor Dave Hollings, said: "We are more than happy to be discussing this with Mr Cann and are open to the idea but there is nothing concrete at this early stage."

However, Union bosses have said they are concerned about the impact of another Academy on other schools.

Simon Jones, NUT national executive member, said: "The Academies are going to cream off the top ten per cent of pupils in the area. Now there could be two that is the top 20 per cent, which could have serious implications on the intake at other schools.

"If we are not careful we will end up with a two-tiered education system across East Lancashire."