A statutory notice will now be published giving people six weeks to raise any objections to the closure plan.

Formal consultation on the academy is due to take place from November 4 to December 21

Meetings have already been held with staff, parents and pupils at Holy Trinity and the residents of Holmfield, Halifax, to explain the proposals.

Head teachers and governors of primary and secondary schools in North Halifax, trade unions and the wider community have also received questionnaires.

Calderdale Council schools' spokesman Craig Whittaker (Con, Rastrick) said the final decision to close the school would depend on whether the proposal for the academy goes ahead.

So far, the council has received a total of 15 written responses to its proposals, 12 from individuals and three from organisations about the school closure.

The North Halifax Academy will be co-sponsored by The Diocese of Wakefield, the University of Huddersfield, Calderdale College and the council.

But a feasibility study to decide whether it is workable is not due to be completed until March, the cabinet was told.