A SCHOOL set to become Radcliffe’s second academy has broken its silence.

Gorsefield Primary has finally confirmed rumours it is set to become an academy – which started last January after an “inadequate” Ofsted rating – are true .

Headteacher Morven Stroud confirmed the school, in Robertson Street, will become an academy on March 1 this year.

It will be under the sponsorship of St Paul’ s CE Primary in Astley Bridge – an outstanding school which converted to an academy in 2012, as part of a multi-academy trust.

Mrs Stroud said: “Following consultation with parents, staff and governors during the last few weeks, Gorsefield is on track to become an academy alongside St Paul’s as part of a multi-academy trust on March 1.

“The non-denominational make up of our school will remain unchanged.”

A letter sent to parents, signed by chairman of governors Michael Tonge, Mrs Stroud and St Paul’s headteacher Karen Bramwell, said the school had concluded conversion would be “a positive move”.

The letter stated: “We want to be clear that we feel becoming an academy is in the best interest of our learners in school.

“We have been fortunate to find a really strong partner to support us with our work and our mission of providing high quality education for the learners in our care.”

Consultation between the school and parents, carers, students, staff, unions, Bury Council and the community ended on January 23.

Gorsefield has insisted it will retain its own “distinctive character and identity” and keep its own ethos, aims and values but will alter its curriculum.

The school will have more flexibility with how it spends funding, the letter stated, and will not move to a new location but will develop its current site.

Parents have been reassured there will be no changes to costs, the school day, terms, the age range or class sizes as a result of the changeover.

The Radcliffe Times revealed the Department for Education (DfE) was considering changing Gorsefield Primary into an academy in January last year.

The school was placed in special measures in November 2013 after Ofsted inspectors judged pupil achievement, teaching and leadership inadequate.

At the time Cllr Gill Campbell, Bury Council’s cabinet member for children and families, said the authority was strongly against schools being “forced” to become academies.

St Paul’s, which is rated “outstanding” and does not currently sponsor any other academies, was matched with Gorsefield after being approved as a general potential sponsor by the DfE.

Mrs Bramwell said: “As an outstanding national suppor t school with a strong track record of supporting other schools, St Paul’s is pleased to have been identified as a sponsor.”

A spokesperson for the DfE said: “Every child should have the chance to go to a good or outstanding school.

“All new academies deserve the support and expertise of a successful sponsor.

“St Paul’s Primary, as a school rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted, has an excellent track record of raising standards and achievement, and will support staff at Gorsefield Primary to bring about swift improvements.”