Sheffield Council's cabinet has voted to give permission for education officers to lodge an "expression of interest" with the Government.

The decision follows public meetings and drop-in sessions in Parkwood High School's catchment areas of Burngreave and Shirecliffe.

If ministers approve, a feasibility study can then be carried out. Council education officer Paul Martin told cabinet members: "We want the best for all our young people.

"Parkwood School carried out its own survey, with staff and union representatives and the recommendation was unanimous - that we should explore obtaining academy status."

Consultations have been carried out by "neighbourhood commissions" made up of parents, parent governors, pupils and councillors but only 15 or 20 people turned up at one meeting and just 23 responded to a questionnaire.

Linda Jones, of Pitsmoor, whose two grown-up children live in the Shirecliffe school's catchment area, is one of a number of people who have started a petition against the academy. So far, she has 200 signatures.

Mrs Jones, a firm believer in the comprehensive education system, said: "Although we've been told there's not much opposition, I've had only two people refuse to sign the petition. Not enough is known about the potential sponsor and its expertise."

Another parent criticised the fact that the Government will make money available for new buildings should Parkwood become an academy - but only pay for refurbishment of existing facilities if it remains a comprehensive.

Edutrust is a philanthropic registered charity, currently developing two academies and interested in opening a further seven around the country including Parkwood.

Trustees include millionaire businessmen and former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey.

Parkwood headteacher Chris Mallaband said: "The key thing is that the council has decided to move on to the next step.

"Lots of questions are being asked but, at the moment, no answers can be given. Now we can at last start talking about what the academy would be like."

Sheffield Hallam University is also a potential sponsor of the academy, which could be open as soon as September next year.

Existing academies in the city - Sheffield Springs and Sheffield Park, which replaced Myrtle Springs and Waltheof - have been credited with raising standards in deprived areas.

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