THE governors of Lydney's Primrose Hill Church of England Primary School have announced that it is to become a Diocesan-sponsored academy.

They have written to parents to inform them of the move and now will begin a consultation process starting with an open meeting on January 16.

The actual change to an academy will not take place until September.

The move will take the school out of the control of Gloucestershire County Council.

Changes were due after the school was given notice to improve judgement by Ofsted earlier in the year, although chair of governors Adie Shilston says the school has come along in leaps and bounds since then.

Last year the Department for Education announced that under-performing primary schools would be required to become sponsored academies.

Mr Shilston added: "The governors are absolutely committed to seeing Primrose Hill Church of England Primary School flourish, ensuring that all pupils receive an excellent education. When a school receives a notice to improve there is a strong expectation that it should convert to an academy with the support of a sponsor.

"We believe that becoming an academy, sponsored by the diocese, will enable the school to continue the improvement journey it began following the notice to improve Ofsted judgment.

"We are confident that the diocese will be able to offer the ongoing support and guidance that we need to continue to improve."

Helena Arnold, director for children and young people in the Diocese of Gloucester, said: "We are delighted to be working closely with the governing body of Primrose Hill C of E Primary School in order to build on the recent school improvement which has taken place.

"These are the first steps in the journey towards academy sponsorship. We look forward to working with teachers, parents, pupils, the church and wider community members during the spring term as part of a much wider consultation."

Mr Shilston added there could possibly be uniform changes when the school converts but he did not envisage much more than changing the school title to include 'academy'.