THE search for a leader to head up a new academy in Thetford has been extended.

THE search for a leader to head up a new academy in Thetford has been extended.

The deadline for the role of principal designate of the �50m academy, which is set to open in September in the buildings of Rosemary Musker and Charles Burrell High Schools in the town, was previously March 12.

But potential bosses now have until April 15 to submit their interest.

Headmaster of Wymondham College, lead sponsor of the academy, Melvyn Roffe, said the extension was no reflection on the calibre of candidates who had already applied and that all previous applicants would automatically be considered.

“We actually only really gave people eight or nine days from the first time the advert went out, to the closing date,” he said.

“But we wanted to make sure we chose somebody from a very strong field.

“We've had some really strong candidates but now we've given people the Easter holidays to think about it, which if their thinking of relocating they probably need.”

Within a few years the academy will move to new buildings on three sites; the two high schools and a Thetford Forum development in the centre of the town.

It will cater for more than 2,000 youngsters aged 11 to 18 years.

The academy could be the sixth in Norfolk following in the footsteps of Open Academy and City Academy Norwich both in Norwich, and planned academies at Costessey, King's Lynn, and Gorleston which are also set to open this September.

It is sponsored by Wymondham College alongside co sponsors Easton College West Suffolk College and Norfolk County Council.