EXCLUSIVE

By Hayley Robinson

A fifth school in Sittingbourne could convert to a new-style academy as early as June.

Regis Manor Community Primary School has applied to the secretary of state for education, Michael Gove, for an academy order to become part of Westlands Academies Trust.

The move will see the school sharing resources and facilities with the Westlands School and the Westlands Primary School, formerly Woodgrove Primary, which are part of the trust, but also give it more power over admissions, pay, what it teaches and the power to change the length of the school day and term times.

An extra £140,000 in funding could also be released.

Since becoming an academy in September, the Westlands has received an extra £562,000 and the Westlands Primary £145,000.

Regis Manor head teacher John Day, who will remain in the post if the school gets academy status, said: "In essence, parents, children and staff won’t see anything different on the ground.

"We will be better off financially, so one thing I hope to do is improve staffing levels at the school and offer more support to the pupils.

"We are also looking to change admissions criteria to provide preferential placements at the Westlands for children at Regis Manor."

Staff and governors were due to meet last Thursday to discuss the proposal.

Westlands head Jon Whitcombe and Mr Day will hold a meeting for parents and the wider community at the school, in Middletune Avenue, at 5.30pm, on March 28.

Mr Whitcombe said: "We’ve had a good working relationship with Regis Manor for a number of years now and there are a lot of common interests that exist between the two schools. We think by working together we can enhance the children’s experience.

"Children only get one chance at education and we have to make sure they get the best possible deal.

"In the current economic climate, with cuts and limited resources, it makes sense for local schools to come together and share the resources they have."

Fulston Manor and Highsted Grammar School became academies in October.