HEYWOOD School in Cinderford is forging ahead with plans for academy status with the backing of not-for-profit education sponsors E-ACT.

As an opening move current head teacher Tanya Prosser has been named principal-designate ahead of the planned September changeover.

The change remains subject to final approval by Education Secretary Michael Gove.

Mrs Prosser applied for the post after it was advertised by the national education group E-ACT.

Her selection comes 27 years after she first arrived at Heywood as head of the lower school.

Dame Marlene Robottom, a senior educationalist at E-ACT, who is directing the plan to transform the school into an academy, said: "We are delighted to be able to appoint Mrs Prosser, from a very strong field of candidates. Strong leadership and educational vision are key to the success of the new academy and her experience and enthusiasm was evident throughout the appointments process."

Chairman of governors for Heywood, David Thornes, said: "I'm very pleased for Mrs Prosser, and it is an important step forward for the project. We're now looking forward to putting all the pieces of the jigsaw in place ready for the academy opening in September, subject to a funding agreement with the Secretary of State."

Mrs Prosser, who began her teaching career in 1978, said: "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the school into an exciting new phase of its development. We want to create an academy that moves quickly to become an outstanding centre of learning, giving every pupil the chance to achieve and excel. E-ACT's commitment to educational excellence will help ensure the new Heywood Academy is on the right track from day one."

A project team from E-ACT is working with governors and Mrs Prosser to put in place the final plans for the academy, before seeking the Secretary of State's final approval to open in September.