Plans to open a city academy on the site of Coulsdon High School later this year have moved a step closer to reality after 80 per cent of the local community has voted in favour of the proposal.

Croydon Council's cabinet committee looks set to agree recommendations to proceed with plans to open an academy on the school's site from 1 September, when it meets next Wednesday, February 6.

A series of public and stakeholder events, which have been held over the last two months, have given the local community an opportunity to express their opinions and influence the future of the school.

Feedback has been analysed, and 60 per cent were in favour of the proposal.

Some 130 people completed and returned a questionnaire, either online or at one of the events.

Overall, the feedback shows that 81 per cent strongly agreed and only 15 per cent disagreeing.

The remainder had no view.

Croydon's cabinet member for children's services and adult learning, Councillor Maria Gatland, said: "Feedback from the events demonstrates that there is genuine local support for the proposal and the majority of those directly or indirectly affected believed this is a positive proposal for the future of the school.

"A city academy in Coulsdon will provide the best opportunities for our young people and will be a significant focus for learning for its pupils, their families and other local people."