Sponsored academy is the future

Sandy Upper School’s governing body has entered into advanced negotiations to become a sponsored academy under The Barnfield Federation, which is based in Luton.

Chair of governors Richard Banks said: “Under the new legislation brought in many schools are having to convert to academies.

“We’ve spent quite a lot of time looking around to see who we will best partner with and who in the area has managed schools to show the most improvement. We looked at several options and Barnfield came out as the one we would like to go with. They will be taking over the management of the school.”

The interim headteacher, Shawn Fell, will leave the school and he will be replaced by a head chosen by The Barnfield Trust.

Sandy Upper School will then be managed by Sir Peter Birkett, chief executive of the federation.

Richard added: “The governors believe the quickest progress can be shown at Sandy by using the top professionals in the area.

“If we see their record and what they’ve done in five years it’s nothing short of phenomenal.”

The Department for Education will have to approve the decision but governors hope the school will convert within three months. It is not yet known whether the school’s name will change.

Sir Peter said: “We very much welcome Sandy Upper School to the federation and through strong leadership, partnership working and a shared approach we will create a great school for all to be proud of.”

He will speak to parents at the school on Thursday (January 31).