RUMOURS are rife that the sponsors of two Forest schools also wish to takeover another school.

South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College Academy Trust took over Forest High School in Cinderford last January and St Anthony’s Primary School in March, but last week rumours hinted they were also interested in taking over Lakers School in Coleford.

Cllr Graham Morgan (Lab, Cinderford West) told the Review: “I know SGS has recently taken over St Anthony’s Primary School (in Cinderford) and I’ve heard rumours they also want to take over Lakers. It seems schools becoming academies is the only way forward in the Forest.

“Today you have to have pupil numbers to get clout and academies can achieve this. Therefore I am in favour of them as the more clout the more money they receive.”

Ofsted inspectors visited Lakers in December, just before previous head Alison Elliott retired, and placed the school in special measures.

The headteacher at Lakers School was unavailable for comment.

SGS College Academy Trust did not respond to a request for a comment before the Review went to press.