The first phase of the construction of the new Malek Academy is nearing completion with only some minor defects to be resolved before the Academy is ready to open.

Derek Chappell said: "An enormous amount of hard work has got us to the point where we are ready to accept handover of the first phase of the Academy buildings

"We have appointed the Academy Principal and the recruitment of teaching and other staff has now begun and we anticipate that the Academy will open in October 2010 with an initial intake of 60 pupils of the anticipated 400 pupils.

"This is a very exciting time for all of us involved in this project as the dream we had starts to become a reality."