A planned "leadership centre" as part of the controversial new Oxford Academy will be a unique centre of excellence for teachers and teaching staff.

That is the claim of the woman appointed to oversee it, academy vice principal Sarah Norcliffe.

The centre, which will open on the Peers School site in Littlemore in September before moving into a new purpose-built building by September 2010, will offer courses, training and resources for academic staff.

Miss Norcliffe said: "As it starts to be established it will be a professional centre for teachers and students across the city - and ultimately any teaching member of staff within the county could come here."

She estimated once it was fully up and running, 80 teachers each week could benefit from courses, workshops and seminars run by Oxford Brookes University, which is providing experts to run the staff training.

Experts from leading education organisations such as the National College of School Leadership, the Youth Sport Trust and the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust will be brought in to speak about their experiences.

Miss Norcliffe said: "She said: "There will be the capacity to run events every day and every night if required.

"I don't know of another centre that has a separate leadership centre quite like this and in terms of our relationship with Brookes at the heart of the school, that is unique."

The centre will also act as a drop-in centre, with a teachers' library offering resources such as the latest research papers and texts.

Another plan for the leadership centre is to train up older and more gifted students to help mentor younger or less advanced pupils, both within Oxford Academy and with primary schools in Oxford.

Oxford Brookes is one of the sponsors of the Oxford Academy along with the Oxford Diocese and educational charity the Beecroft Trust.

Assistant dean at Brookes' Westminster Institute of Education, Hilary Lowe, said: "We know the surest way for schools to improve is to foster talent and ambition. Over time, we anticipate the leadership centre will extend its reach."