This had meant an imbalance in school places available for boys and girls in Birkenhead, and led to the new proposal for a boys’ academy.

Peter Bennett, headteacher of Rock Ferry High School, said he believed the “academies will build upon the excellent work that has been done at Rock Ferry High School, Ridgeway and Park.”

He said: “The academies will bring massive opportunities to the young people of Birkenhead and will enrich our communities.”

And Birkenhead MP Frank Field said: "This is a glorious opportunity which has been seized to provide the very best technical education that will lead to skilled jobs. Hallelujah!"

Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said: “As lead sponsor of the mixed academy, we would welcome the chance to explore an innovative curriculum in well-resourced facilities.”

Kathryn Podmore, principal of Birkenhead Sixth Form College, said: "We believe the Sixth-Form College can play a valuable role in the development of the academy programme and can bring a range of experience and expertise to the table.”

Dr Anne Merry, director of Lifelong Learning at the University of Liverpool, said they will use their experience of working with two academies in Liverpool to support the project, while Mike Potter CBE, principal of Wirral Metropolitan College welcomed “this exciting, new initiative”.

Steve McMahon, headteacher of Park High School, said the plan “brings us one step closer to achieving our aim of bringing world-class facilities”.

Pauline Roberts, headteacher of Ridgeway High School, said their “proven track record” will provide a good foundation “which I am sure the sponsors will be keen to provide within the new academies”.