Plans for a new academy school have taken a step forward with the launch of a feasibility study.

The Government-funded study will look at how viable it is to build the academy and look in detail at the proposals.

The academy would serve 11 to 18-year-olds from the Falmer, Bevendean and Coldean area. The study is expected to take 12 months to complete and will seek the views of staff, parents and students of Falmer High School and people who would live around the academy.

Headteacher Stuart McLaughlin said: "The academy proposal will provide the community with a first class school something that all members of the community thoroughly deserve and can be proud of.

"The new school will be built to meet the demands of the 21st Century and provide a curriculum that is appropriate to meet the needs of all learners."

The academy would be the first of its type built in Sussex. If the study shows it to be feasible, the Government is likely to authorise funding next year.

A private sponsor, businessman John Aisbitt, has already promised £2 million in funding. He said: "What excites me is the shared commitment by the school and the council to a new type of school which we all feel will work well for the students and their families.

"What we all want is a new school that will focus on creating pathways into further education and employment for students."

Councillor Pat Hawkes, lead member for childrens services on the city council, said she was delighted the Government had approved the feasibility study.

She said she would encourage all those associated with Falmer and the communities it serves to take part in the consultations.