His opinion then is every bit, if not even more relevant now.

"My impression when I visited was what a good school, with an excellent atmosphere and effective staff. And some of the least adequate buildings that I have ever seen," he said.

"If the school wants to prosper it can't go beyond a certain point in its present buildings."

Last week the Diocese of Wakefield submitted an expression of interest in sponsoring an academy on the site of the present senior school to the Government, along with co-sponsors Calderdale Council, Calderdale College and Huddersfield University.

A feasibility study should begin later this week to examine the plans in detail, including the curriculum, the size of the school, design of buildings and admissions criteria.

Calderdale councillors visited David Young Community Academy in Leeds last year to see how a Church of England academy in north Halifax might look.

Bishop Platten says he is certain that new facilities and a more open approach would place an academy on the site of Holy Trinity Senior School at the very heart of the community.

He also feels the school would be enhanced by better resources and facilities.

Architects and curriculum designers would work together to create an establishment that fits around its curriculum, rather than trying to fit a curriculum within the present inadequate buildings.

He also hopes his vision of a bigger school with better equipment and buildings will attract parents from the whole community.

"Not only those who want their children to have a Christian education, but that the wider community feel it is a worthwhile place with appropriate human values," he said.

The Bishop said an academy would be rooted in the Christian faith, which would be ensured through staffing, governance and a "sensible and appropriate" admissions policy.

He said this must safeguard places for those who want a Christian education for their children, but be open enough to make sure pupils of other faiths, or none at all, can attend.

"The school is there to offer an education to those who wish particularly for an education that is Christian, but not in an exclusive or sectarian way."

Ian Wildey, director of education for the diocese, said the school would not just be for pupils and staff from 9am to 3pm: "The academy will be for the whole community to have the opportunity to explore the use of the place.