The Government Minister visited the academy as part of a tour of new schools in the East Midlands to mark the start of term.

Mr Brennan was taken on a tour by principal Michael Griffiths and shown a range of improvements carried out during the summer with a £200,000 Government grant, including motivational signs, carpets and a new sixth form area.

He also spoke to Year Seven pupils starting out at the academy –– formerly Sherwood Hall School –– and answered questions they put to him.

Mr Brennan told Chad: "I think it is really exciting to see the development of an academy here. We are just in the first chapter in the long development of this academy.

"Even now with just having had some environmental improvements, bringing in inspirational leadership and a new uniform, you can see the potential and the pride that some of the youngsters are showing in the academy and the best is yet to come with the new building in the next couple of years.

"I think it will give more pupils the chance to reach their potential and that is what this is all about."

Principal Mr Griffiths told Chad he was delighted the academy had finally opened after all the preparation work.

He said: "We are very proud that the Minister has come to visit. It is our first VIP guest but hopefully not our last. We are absolutely determined to be the best that we can be.

"We know we will be judged solely on by how successful our students are and nothing would please us more than to be judged as a fantastic organisation based on what our young people have achieved."

The academy is sponsored by leading businessman David Samworth and the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.

Plans for a £20m new base, which will be largely funded by the Government, have been submitted.