A DONCASTER school says it will have ‘greater autonomy’ after converting to academy status.
From this month Sir Thomas Wharton Community College has become an academy in the Co-operative group, giving it independence from local authority control.
The Edlington school will now receive funding direct from the Government but staff say parents and pupils will ‘not see a massive amount of difference’ and the uniform will be unchanged.
Headteacher Mary McCorry said the decision to convert to an academy was ‘not taken lightly’ and there were many serious discussions and debates along the way.
The Co-operative already sponsors three of its own academies in Leeds, Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent, and oversees others in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Mrs McCorry said: “We are very proud that our college has joined an organisation which is committed to developing a dynamic and active co-operative schools movement in the UK.
“The decision to convert to an academy was not taken lightly and, as we continue to strive to raise standards and achievement, we believe that academy status will support us in our endeavours to become an even better school.
“In an ever-changing educational landscape, this gives us greater autonomy and freedom to move forward in a way that best serves the needs of our students and equips them with the skills, qualifications and knowledge to succeed.”
Mags Bradbury, Co-operative academy programme manager, added: “Our academies will contribute to the regeneration of the local communities by providing a range of extended services and activities.
“The students will be encouraged to develop projects, programmes and services that support the local community.”
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