16 February 2011 Last updated at 09:38 ET

Bid for new Huddersfield school given go-ahead

Holmfirth High School's governing body has been chosen to run a new secondary school in Huddersfield.

Kirklees Council had invited offers to set up the new school to replace Fartown High School.

The new school will serve 1,200 pupils from Birkby, Bradley, Deighton, Fartown, Fixby, Hillhouse and Sheepridge and will open in September.

The council said Holmfirth's bid for a trust school showed its "strength of experience" and "proven track record".

'Exciting development'

The Wakefield Diocesan Board had submitted a bid proposing a Church of England Academy.

London-based E-ACT had also submitted a bid for an academy.

Councillor Cath Harris, Kirklees Council cabinet member for children and families, said: "The setting up of a new 11-16 mainstream school for north Huddersfield is a part of our strategic vision for provision in this area.

"The number of children and young people living in and requiring a school place in north Huddersfield is increasing.

"When the new school opens in September, in the buildings of the current Fartown High School, it will mark the start of an exciting development for north Huddersfield students - not only today but for generations to come."