Governors of South Craven School, at Cross Hills, have decided to begin consultations on whether the school should become an academy.

The Government passed an act last summer, which opened up academy status to all schools.

Academies in England’s education system are publicly funded independent schools, free from local authority and national Government control.

They can set their own pay and conditions for staff, have more say in how they deliver the national curriculum and can change the length of their terms and school days. A spokesman for South Craven School said: “As a very successful school we have looked at the possibilities offered and governors believe they should be explored. The school has pursued the available options, including greater autonomy by becoming a foundation school in 2006 and a trust school in 2008. Since then South Craven has created new facilities worth over £2.5 million, which would not have been possible with local authority control.”

The consultation process runs until January 7. Full details can be found on the school website at south-craven.n-yorks.sch.uk.