The school is replacing Lawside Academy and St Saviour’s High as part of the ongoing £90 million public/private partnership that is also creating six primaries and rebuilding Grove Academy.

Earlier this year the education department had to fend off claims from parents that the new school would be too small to accommodate all the children who wanted to attend.

Rumours about the impact of the merger have refused to die down, though, with claims being made recently to the Tele that staff were having to consider larger than usual class sizes because of insufficient space.

The city council was asked if it was in a position to put these rumours to rest.

An education department spokesman replied, “St Paul’s RC Academy has been built to the correct size to accommodate pupils from its associated primary schools now and in the future.

“The new school’s stated capacity is 1082.

“There are currently 1159 on the school roll, but this number will decrease when some pupils leave at Christmas, and the school will be able to cope without difficulty with the remaining small and declining excess.”

Technically St Paul’s already exists, as Lawside and St Saviour’s have been combined under the headship of Moira Leck, albeit with the school operating from two campuses.

Asked what would happen to the teaching staff once the move to Gillburn Park is made, the spokesman said, “Staffing planning discussions for session 2009/10 for all schools, including St Paul’s, will begin at the turn of the year.

“The new school will be fully staffed by teachers who were at the former Lawside and St Saviour’s. As is the practice in all schools, any identified surplus will be managed in line with agreed council procedures.”

He added, “The council is delighted that the new St Paul’s, on its two campuses and under the leadership of Mrs Moira Leck, has started so well.

“The enthusiasm and commitment of pupils and staff, supported by a loyal parent body, bodes well for this new school, as it moves into its brand new building and in the future.”