Hertfordshire schools express interest in academy status

FOUR schools in Times Territory are among 28 in Hertfordshire to have registered an interest in obtaining academy status.

Stanborough School in WGC, Welwyn St Mary’s Primary School and Mount Grace and Dame Alice Owen’s, both in Potters Bar, have all expressed their interest in becoming an academy.

More than 900 schools across the country have registered an interest with the Department of Education since the coalition Government introduced a law that makes it easier for schools to become free of local authority control.

Of the four schools, only Dame Alice Owen’s is currently eligible for academy status, as it is the only one graded “Outstanding” by Ofsted.

Hertfordshire County Council this week sent a letter to the schools interested in becoming an academy – which at this stage is merely a request for more information.

Council leader Robert Gordon said in the letter: “It is decades since the county council considered it “controlled” schools and I hope that those who do achieve academy status will not see it as “breaking free” but will do so in a positive spirit, ready to remain part of the wider community of schools.”

County councillor Richard Thake, executive member for education and skills, said: “We wish them all well, and my hope is that they will choose to continue to use the excellent education support services we provide in Hertfordshire.

“We believe it is a first rate service and we know that it is highly valued by heads and governors. We intend to develop and equip it so that the reputation of Hertfordshire’s schools can be further enhanced and supported into the future.”

For a full list of schools that has expressed an interest in academy status, click on the link above.