PLANS to convert a secondary school into an academy have been put on hold after fears were raised the move would make it ‘financially worse off’.

 

Shuttleworth College in Padiham began negotiations to join the Education Partnership Trust (EPT) in autumn 2015.

 

But bosses have said it will remain under Lancashire County Council control for now.

 

It is believed to be the first school in East Lancashire to back out of becoming an academy this far along in the process.

 

The Department for Education (DfE) said all options are still being considered.

 

In a letter to parents chairman of governors Simon Davies said: “Since this process has begun the school has come out of its category of serious weakness and continues to improve rapidly.

 

“This fact, combined with the fact that academy conversion at this point would actually mean the school would be worse off financially, has led governors to question whether conversion at this stage continues to be in the best interest of the school, staff and students.

 

“This matter was discussed at length at full governors and also in an open and frank discussion with the EPT and the county council.

 

“From these discussions it is clear in a national climate of financial instability staying with the council is in the best interest of the school.

 

“We have agreed with the EPT we will not pursue a partnership at this stage.”

 

Mr Davies added the school would not rule out academisation in the future.

 

The school was rated as ‘requires improvement’when it was last reviewed by education watchdog Ofsted last year.

 

A spokesman for the NUT said: “I am glad the governors have seen through the smoke and mirrors of the DfE propaganda because there are no long term benefits of becoming an academy.”

 

Bob Stott, the council’s director for education, schools and care, said: “The decision on whether or not to apply for academy status rests with the school.

 

“The council’s role is to support Shuttleworth College to deliver an excellent education for its students and we will continue to do that, regardless of whether it is a maintained school or an academy.”

 

A DfE spokesman said: “All options are still being considered and the EPT remains among the options."