It's not decided yet - 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 secondary 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 already appeared in national newspapers. But Leslie Stephen, director of education at the diocese, said he was keen to reassure people that plans for the Oxford Academy were just that.

He is urging people to make sure they attend one of the 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."

Peers was branded a failing school by Ofsted inspectors in October 2005 after an inspection highlighted bad behaviour, poor attendance, inadequate teaching and low standards.

In January this year the school was taken out of special measures after Ofsted inspectors revisited the school.

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 saying: "The academy will welcome young people from all faith backgrounds and none. There will be no selection on faith or any other grounds."

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."

Times and dates of the public consultation sessions will be printed in the Oxford Mail as soon as they are available.