THE plan to change Lydney's Whitecross School to an academy – with the new name, Dean Academy – has been put on hold until November 1.

It had been the intention to open at the start of the autumn term this week. However the school governors and the Prospects Academies Trust say that because of concerns expressed by some parents the opening will now be delayed.

In a letter to parents and carers the governors and the Trust say they want to reassure everyone that the delay will not impact on the eduction of students and that a close working relationship had been developed between all parties.

The letter says: "We have been greatly encouraged by the constructive comments from parents on our vision and ambition for the education of young people in the new Academy. Deferring the opening will afford further opportunities for parents and carers to get involved in shaping the vision of the Academy."