Parents' reassured there are no plans to change admission rules

Governors at Drayton Manor have voted overwelmingly to apply to turn their school into an academy.

If successful, the conversion is expected to be complete by September 2011. Details about the new arrangements will be agreed and approved by the Governing Body prior to approval.

It will mean that from the new school year Drayton Manor will move away from the control of Ealing Council and set its own curriculum, school calendar and staff conditions.

Education secretary Michael Gove has been encouraging more academies although the idea is unpopular with those who believe they should remain under local authority control.

The Chair of the Governing Body, Christine Fortune, said

"This decision follows an extensive consultation exercise, including other schools, staff and parents.

''This was extremely helpful in helping us identify concerns and priorities, and I would like to thank all who took part. It is pleasing that the vote was overwhelming in favour.

''I can reassure local people that becoming an academy will not affect Drayton Manor's role as a local comprehensive school.

''There will be no selection and there are no plans to change our admission rules. We will not be subject to an outside sponsoring body, the possibility of which is something I know to have caused concern.

''We are working on the composition of the new governing body, and I will be writing to parents about the whole process in the near future"

23 March 2011