NAILSEA School has started a consultation with parents and staff as to whether it should become an academy.

Headteacher David New has written to parents after the school’s governors voted unanimously to begin the process before deciding whether to make an application to the Department for Education for a change in status.

If the school makes the move, it will no longer be under the control of North Somerset Council, leaving it free to make decisions on issues such as its finances, curriculum and staffing policies.

In his letter, Mr New said: “The national context is changing with the current government keen to develop new policies.

“The policies are re-directing funds and resources and giving schools more autonomy and freedom to expand their educational provision.

“This is not a move designed to radically change the school, but is to ensure we have the independence to make key decisions about the education we offer students.”

The consultation process will involve staff, students, parents and other stakeholders. A parents’ meeting will be held at the school on March 21 and a short briefing will be given to the school’s Parent Forum tomorrow (Wed). Parents can also respond in writing.

If the Mizzymead Road school does become an academy, it will join Clevedon, Backwell and Gordano schools, which have already made the move.