Consultations with parents over the scheme to turn Shirecliffe's Parkwood High into an academy have just been completed, and a report is expected to go to the council cabinet at the end of this month recommending it should be given the go-ahead.

All original academies were guaranteed new buildings by the Government, but this promise has since been withdrawn.

But following extensive behind-the-scenes lobbying by city education chiefs, ministers have approved the rebuilding of Parkwood if it does go down the academy route.

Parents were not told of the possibility during the consultations as it had not then been confirmed.

Parkwood has also gained a second partner if it becomes an academy - Sheffield Hallam University - which will join education charity Edutrust.Headteacher Chris Mallaband said the existing school had been built in 1938, with refurbishments in 1970 and 2000.

"We're delighted with this promise of extra funding for a new school, it really will be the icing on the cake for us," he said.

"We asked to be treated as an exceptional case and the Government has agreed. It is a clear vote of confidence in Parkwood and the communities the school serves.

"The range of educational and community investment in the area is already impressive, with a new children's centre, community centre and a new primary school all opened or about to open. "We believe our new relationships with Edutrust and Hallam will help take the school to the next level."

If the process goes smoothly, Parkwood will become an academy in September 2009, with a new building expected to be ready two years later.

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