In a national ground-breaking move, South Leeds High would be closed and an academy, sponsored by the School Partnership Trust – which includes Garforth Community College – would open in its place in September 2009.

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The controversial move is an attempt to jump-start exam test scores at the Beeston school, formed just four years ago from the merger of two of the city's most troubled schools – Merlyn Rees High, Belle Isle and Matthew Murray High, Holbeck.

"This is not about Garforth trampling all over us," said Colin Bell, head of South Leeds High. "It's about opening up a partnership and taking learning to a new level.

"We are very excited about the plans. Academy status would allow us to address the budget deficit, become a specialist college and develop and widen the curriculum."

Academies are increasingly being seen by the Government as a way of raising standards at low achieving schools. Typically, they must attract £2m in sponsorship and are housed in new buildings. South Leeds, however, only moved into new, £25m state-of-the-art facilities in 2006.

Despite its facilities, South Leeds was judged to be failing by education watchdog Ofsted in June last year and placed into special measures.

In last summer's GCSE exams, 80 per cent of pupils at Garforth gained five or more good grades, making it one of the most successful state schools in the country. At South Leeds, just seven per cent gained five good grades, making it one of the worst performing nationally.

South Leeds also has a £1.3m debt, which under the academy plans would be written off from Education Leeds's budget.

A detailed feasibility and consultation process will now take place.