CONSULTATION has begun on a proposal to transform Prudhoe West First School into an academy.

The school plans to convert to academy by joining a North-East multi-academy trust.

Last month a partnership between Prudhoe West First School and WISE Academies was agreed.

And on December 15 the Department for Education granted the school an academy order.

The announcement was made on Thursday, January 19 in a letter sent home to parents.

The letter stated that after 18 months of discussion the school's governing body had decided that conversion would be in the best interests of the children.

And headteacher, Carrie Davison said that the school, which was rated 'good' at its last OFSTED inspection, has actively made the decision.

She said: "We looked at various MATs and came to the decision that academisation is right for us.

"We believe it would be a mutually beneficial partnership and that WISE will be able to support us and improve facilities, improve education and improve outcomes for the children."

The school says that becoming the sixth school in WISE Academies, alongside fellow Prudhoe school Adderlane Academy, will give greater financial control as funding will come directly from central Government.

Greater autonomy over the school's development and greater curriculum control are also listed as potential benefits by the school.

If the academisation goes ahead, Prudhoe West First School would become Prudhoe West Academy.

The school will retain its old logo and all staff will be retained in the new academy trust.

Mrs Davison said: "WISE Academies value the image of the school and the position of the school within the area and don't want to take that away from us.

"We would be proposeing to academise from April 1, but it's not a done deal."

The final decision on whether to convert will be taken by the school's governing body after the consultation period ends on February 24.

During that period, two consultation forums will take place in the school's sports hall at 5.45pm on Monday, January 30 and 8.45am on Tuesday, January 31.

At the meetings parents and members of the community can meet and speak with representative of WISE Academies and school staff.

Consultation responses should be made in writing and sent to the school office or by email to admin@prudhoewest.northumberland.sch.uk