A STRUGGLING school in the heart of Manchester was thrown a lifeline today - it will become one of the country's first city academies.

Ducie High School in Moss Side will receive £1.2 m through partnership with the business community to improve facilities and tackle social problems.

The new school will be a joint venture between the city council, universities and the private sector and will develop a specialism in science.

Manchester Science Park Ltd has promised sponsorship of around £225,000 towards refurbishing the existing premises. The Manchester Diocese will also help develop working relationships with the nearby Trinity CE High School.

And the Manchester Evening News will support Ducie staff and pupils by promoting and highlighting successes in and out of the classroom.

M.E.N. editor Paul Horrocks, who urged Education Secretary Estelle Morris to grant the school city academy status, said: ''The Manchester Evening News believes Moss Side deserves a school that can achieve the highest standards.

''And with the support of the academic and business communities, we believe a launch as a city academy could guarantee the school a bright future.''

Results at Ducie are currently among the lowest in the country, truancy rates are high and the school is so unpopular that next year, just 70 of the 180 year-seven places have been filled - which will add to the school's £500,000 deficit.

Turnaround

But Ducie bosses hope city academy status will kickstart a turnaround in the school's fortunes.

Headteacher Dr Ray Kirby said: ''I am delighted, because the school has a future. It is a show of confidence in the school and pupils, the local community and the business community.''

The school's application - sponsored by businesses in the Manchester Science Park - was announced today alongside two similar projects in south Middlesbrough and Barnet.

Dr Kirby believes the partnership with businesses and the neighbouring Manchester Science Park will raise youngsters' aspirations and attainment. Ultimately, he hopes the city academy will better equip pupils to find jobs when they leave.

''It will give us a unique opportunity to develop a real specialism in science with our new partners,'' he said. ''The regeneration of this community seems to be proceeding very successfully and this means the school is going to make a really strong contribution.''

The scheme has already been backed in priciple by members of the council. Now a development group will be established to draw up detailed plans, which will need further approval by the DFES.

Manchester's chief education officer David Johnston said: ''I am delighted our proposal has been accepted. The challenge now is to bring the proposal to reality with our partners. The support of the M.E.N. is especially welcome so the best aspects of teaching and learning can be celebrated.''

Flagship

Today's news brings the number of schools earmarked to become city academies nationwide to 13. But Ducie - which will have to be formally closed and re-opened under a new name - could be first to open.

Coun Bernard Stone, Manchester city council's executive member for education, said: ''This is marvellous. City academy status is a real vote of confidence for the partnership between Ducie and the Science Park. It also presents an exciting challenge and magnificent opportunities.''

Prof John Allen, chairman of Manchester Science Park Ltd, said: ''We provide accommodation for more than 70 companies and we are, collectively, the largest employer in the Moss Side and Hulme area.

''We see the city academy initiative making a real difference.''