Shrewsbury schools on fast track to become academies

The Grange School, which was placed in special measures by Ofsted earlier this year, will be sponsored by the neighbouring Sundorne School & Sports College in a move that will take both out of Shropshire Council's control.

If the scheme is approved by parents, a fast-track process will see both schools become academies from March 1.

Geoff Pettengell, principal for the new North Shrewsbury Federation which includes both schools, said the move would help prevent the threat of the Grange being taken over by a private sponsor with no links to the local area.

And he said the move could unlock additional revenue for the schools from central Government.

Mr Pettengell said: "In total for both schools, we are looking at £400,000 in additional income.

"Having said that, there will be additional expenses in terms of buying some services and insurance costs on buildings.

"But you would be looking at around 50 per cent of that being available to invest in the schools. At the end of the day, it means more resources to both schools which has only got to be good."

Mr Pettengell, who was the head at Sundorne before taking on the new role overseeing both schools earlier this year, said he believed the Grange was already making improvements and aims to be out of special measures in the next 18 months.

"We have made incredible progress as a school and the results in August were a step in the right direction," he said. "Things are looking very positive."

Councillor Cecilia Motley, for Shropshire Council, said: "We are confident that this approach will offer the best outcome."