A NAILSEA primary school could be the first to become an academy after Ofsted inspectors called for improvements to be made.

Kingshill Primary School was handed a ‘notice to improve’ this month, following a review of the school in April.

Parents were sent a letter ahead of the new term, which started on Monday, explaining the poor inspection and potential academy conversion. Headteacher Nic Baykaa-Murray said despite some positive words from inspectors, the school needed to improve the academic standards of its pupils.

He said: “We are pleased inspectors recognise our school ‘cares for pupils well’ and that ‘achievement for pupils currently in the school has improved over this academic year’. But we have been given a notice to improve.”

Discussions regarding converting to an academy have already begun with the Department of Education and the Diocese of Bath and Wells. Consultation with parents is set to start this week.

He said: “Academy conversion is a key part of current education legislation.

“At the end of May the governors made an informed decision that this conversion is in the best long term interests of the school and community.”

A diocese spokesman said it would work with the school’s individual needs.

She said: “The Diocese of Bath and Wells is fully supporting Kingshill Primary School in its move to academy status and is working closely with the governors and school.

“There’s lots of work to do and this isn’t something that is going to happen overnight.”

Should the conversion be completed, Kingshill Primary School, in Pound Lane, will become the first primary school in North Somerset to become an academy, allowing it to gain greater internal control over curriculum and finances.