IT IS by no means a done deal - that's the message from the Diocese of Oxford, the main sponsor of the city's first academy which could replace Peers School in a £30m project.

Critics of the plans, which could see the Littlemore school reopen as an academy in September 2008, have raised concerns that proposals are being "steamrollered" through before parents, teachers and nearby residents have had their say.

An advert for the £100,000-a-year role of academy principal has even appeared in national newspapers recently.

But Leslie Stephen, director of education at the diocese, is keen to reassure people that plans for the Oxford Academy are just that.

He is urging people to make sure they attend one of many consultation sessions which are being held over the coming weeks.

He said: "It is now time for the local community to have their say. The consultation period is about to begin and we will shortly be announcing a programme of public meetings.

"This is the opportunity for people to ask questions and express their views. It is certainly not a done deal."

He insisted the decision on whether to go ahead with the academy, which would be co-sponsored by BMW, Oxford Brookes University and Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, will not be made until later in the year. He said: "In the meantime we are recruiting a principal because if the academy is to open in 2008, as we hope, certain steps need to be taken in advance.

"Any successful candidate will be offered only a short-term contract until a decision is made."

Mr Stephen added: "We believe the proposed academy would benefit the whole community in the Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill and Littlemore areas, providing an outstanding education and first-class facilities.

"The Church of England supports academies because they can make a real difference to the life chances of young people from the most deprived communities.

"Historically, this is the reason why the church began to provide schools 200 years ago. It remains our main driver today.

"Since we already have 120 maintained schools in the county, we are in daily contact with our colleagues at Oxfordshire County Council and will work with them as closely as ever if the academy goes ahead."

Two meetings were held last week by a newly-formed group, the Oxford Anti-Academy Alliance.

About 100 people attended the two meetings, held in Rose Hill and Blackbird Leys, where union representatives raised concerns about the diocese gaining complete control of the school in return for about eight per cent of the building and refurbishment costs.

They also voiced concerns about the Church of England - and other sponsors - having the power to select pupils, appoint governors and staff and set term dates.

Mr Stephen responded to this by saying: "The academy will welcome young people from all faith backgrounds - and none - and there will be no selection on faith or any other grounds.

"There will be no changes to existing admission arrangements as we are committed to retaining Oxfordshire County Council's admissions procedures."

He added: "This is why it is important for people to come along to the public consultation sessions - so that myths can be exploded and people ask any questions they may have."