A SCHOOL is considering opting out of local authority control and becoming an academy.

If Broomfield in Northallerton does convert, it will join Ebor Academy Trust, a York-based multi-academy trust currently comprising 15 schools across the Yorkshire region.

A consultation has now begun, with meetings organised for parents, carers and the community to find out more.

“Entering a period of consultation does not mean we will become an academy - at this stage it is a commitment to explore the options and fully understand what it will mean to our children, our school community and our staff,” said Peter Wilkinson, chair of the governors. “We have looked into this closely, but it is not a done deal, we still want to talk to our community and hear people’s views.”

Broomfield headteacher Susan Gill said: “In early, informal talks with Ebor we have discovered they share our values.

"Should we decide to academise and join them, they would handle core business activities such as payroll, HR and premises, leaving teaching and learning to us."