Two secondary schools are to become academies run by a Swedish education firm.

Last night Richmond Council approved a plan to close Hampton Community College (HCC) and Whitton School on August 31, 2010, and replace them with academies, independent, all-ability schools run by Kunskapsskolan.

The executive unanimously backed the plan, provided funding agreements were in place before January 15, and approved the business cases for the schools as no one turned up to oppose it.

Residents and opposition councillors had previously expressed concern about a lack of choice if two schools in the west of the borough were handed over to be run by the same firm, whose methods have been questioned by opposition councillors, but none turned up to speak.

Richmond Conservatives criticised proceeding with the plan in the current financial climate and claimed that council officers had highlighted the risks.

Councillor David Marlow, deputy leader of the Tory group, said the re-build at Whitton would cost £22m and a partial revamp at HCC would cost £18.

Reports indicate there is already a £1.3m “funding gap” on the HCC project and a £1.5m gap on the Whitton project and 24 “risks” have been highlights, including a “high risk” that either the council or Kunskapsskolan can't bridge any deficit.

Coun Marlow said: “I am amazed the council is embarking on both these projects, we have urged that only Whitton is handed over.”

Councillor Nick True, leader of Richmond Conservatives, said: “If it goes wrong the people of the borough will be left with this problem. I'm furious.”

Nick Whitfield, the authority's director of children's services and culture, said it was important to address the risks and any cost risk had been transferred to the contractors.

He said the consultations, along with the increase in applications for HCC, proved parents backed the plan.

Mark Maidment, the council's finance director, said the way the decisions were taken meant all the risks couldn't be written off prior to agreeing the move.

Council leader Serge Lourie said it was an exciting time for the borough but admitted financial restraints had forced the authority's hand.

He said: “In an ideal world it's possible we wouldn't have gone down this route. But in the world we live in this is the only show in town to improve education in the borough.

“I'm thrilled that we have approved academies at Hampton and Whitton. I'm confident the quality of education offered to young people will soon match the best in the country.

“Given the view of the Conservatives I was astonished no one came to the cabinet and it shows how uninterested they are in education.”

Steve Bolingbroke, UK managing director of Kunskapsskolan, thanked the council for entrusting his firm with the schools.

He said: “We will do our utmost to make them outstanding schools and serve the needs of the borough. I'm delighted parents offered their support and the staff have been enthusiastic, despite concern for their futures.

“We are delighted to have got to this point.”

The academies are scheduled to open on September 1 next year.