A HIGH school has put in a bid to become an academy.

Blackburn Central High School (BCHS) has proposed to join forces with Crosshill School and form a multi-academy trust.

The schools have opened a consultation and are looking for the views of parents.

The Haslingden Road schools, near Royal Blackburn Hospital, have said they want to 'secure and build on the strengths they have' following recent 'Good' Ofsted ratings.

If the schools were to be given academy status, only St Bede's RC High School and Our Lady and St John Catholic Arts College would be under Blackburn with Darwen Council control.

Crosshill School teaches youngsters aged 11 to 16 with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Diane Atkinson, BCHS' headteacher, said: "The governing bodies recognise that it is clear that our schools will at some point have to establish partnerships or join a multi-academy trust in order to work together, create efficiencies and raise standards.

"This would be about growing a family of schools that are inclusive and want the very best for our children.

"The time is now right for BCHS and Crosshill to form a multi-academy trust.

"Our proposal is that BCHS and Crosshill convert to academy status on April 1, 2019.

"The governing bodies wish to consult with parents, carers, staff and students on the proposal for BCHS with Crosshill to convert to academy status."

Converting to an academy would free schools from local authority control.

It would allow the schools to take charge of their finances, give more freedom over the national curriculum and take charge of their admissions.

The £24million site opened its doors in 2012 after Blakewater College and Crosshill School moved.

The centre has outdoor art studios, all-weather sports pitches, recording studios and workshops to give students a taste of the world of work.

Cllr Maureen Bateson, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for education, said: "We will be interested to see what the results of the consultation will be and what parents have to say. The school is perfectly entitled to bid for academy status."

The consultation period will run until December 14.

The governing body will then consider the responses before making its final decision.

Anyone with questions can speak to Mrs Atkinson, and a selection of school governors on Monday between 4pm and 5pm at the school.