A FORMAL application has been made to set up an academy in Woolston.

The Kings School Woolston is planned for September 2012 for children aged between 12 and 18 in Woolston and Padgate.

Former Woolston High head boy Jonny Scotland is involved in the project.

He believes the new school is a positive step despite criticism from Warrington Borough Council and trade unions.

“This is much needed in Woolston,” he said.

“We are not trying to tread on anyone’s toes but having spoken to people in the community parents have made it clear that they do want it.

“I think there are a lot of positives to shout about.”

As head boy between 2006 and 2007 Mr Scotland campaigned against the council’s controversial decision to close Woolston High School.

He is now serving as a ‘focal point’ to inform parents about the planned academy.

“It is in the preliminary stages but we have made the application,” he said.

“I really think that once you know the facts you’d be mad if you don’t like it.”

If approved the academy would offer a curriculum focused on work experience and enterprise.

It will be run by Sir Iain Hall, the former head teacher of Parrswood High School in Manchester, and operate outside of council control.

A possible location is the exisiting site at Woolston High.

The council has said it will not support the construction of any academy in the area.

Woolston councillors Colin Froggatt and Lottie Ladbury have also expressed fears it will destabilise the school system.

However, Mr Scotland says that any academy can work alongside state schools.

He said: “I understand the concern but we are trying to show there is a demand for an academy in Woolston.

“It’s more that people don’t know the facts - we want to make it clear and show what the positives are.

“We can all co-exist together. ”

A meeting for prospective parents of the new school takes place tomorrow, Wednesday, in the Church of the Ascension in Woolston at 7.30pm.