THE closure of Taunton’s Ladymead and the St Augustine of Canterbury Schools was officially recommended by council chiefs today as part of plans for a new North Taunton Academy.

As reported, the Diocese of Bath and Wells and Somerset County Council want to close the two schools and replace with them with a new Government-funded academy.

At a meeting of the council’s cabinet today, members approved a recommendation to close the two schools on August 31, 2010, and open the new school the next day.

The move is dependent on the Government stumping up £15m-£20m to fund the project later this month.

Ladymead head teacher Mark Trusson, who is to become the principal of the academy, said: “I believe this is a fantastic opportunity for the young people of North Taunton to receive an outstanding education.”

The academy is due to officially start operating on the Ladymead and St Augustine’s sites, but, from September 2011, the Government cash will be used to redevelop Ladymead so St Augustine’s can be vacated. It is not thought the academy will be on one site until about 2013.

Education bosses have also got approval to start negotiations with the National Trust to try and buy land next to Ladymead for more sports fields.

The cost of buying the playing fields will be met from selling off St Augustine’s, the report states.

Redeveloping Ladymead will involve about 50% new-build; 35% redeveloping existing buildings, and 15% refurbishing present buildings.

The new academy, which will specialise in science, health and sustainability, will start with about 900 students, rising to around 1,150 – including about 100 post-16 students. Staff at the two schools are set to be transferred to the new academy.