A SCHOOL'S governors have voted unanimously to consult on plans to convert to an academy.

Governors at Hummersknott School decided to take the step to gauge opinion with members of the community.

In November, the Government decided that all schools rated by Ofsted as good with outstanding features could apply to become one of the conversion academies.

Academies are publicly funded independent local schools that provide free education.

They are all ability schools and are established with sponsors from business, faith or voluntary groups working alongside the local community.

Staff, students, parents and the wider community will be included in the consultation exercise.

Information about the changes can be found on the school's website hummersknott.org.uk Anyone can leave their comments or questions about the change in status at academy@hummersknott.org.uk School headteacher Pat Howarth said: "Changing to an academy is an option open to us and we want to gain the views of our stakeholders before making a decision.

"Governors and myself want the best for our children and parents. Becoming an academy gives us greater freedoms and more control over how we use resources. We believe this would lead to improved provision at Hummersknott."