THE HEADTEACHER of Whitchurch CE Infant and Nursery school says it will be business as usual if they convert to academy status in September.

Teachers and parents were informed of the proposals on Monday and Tuesday with the school hoping to join St Bart’s Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) at the start of the next academic year.

Sarah Cope, head at the Station Road school, says she doesn’t expect changes to the day-to-day teaching and support staff if the changes are made.

“While the school will become an academy within the MAT, locally there will be little change,” she said.

“There will still be a headteacher and familiar teachers and support staff on-site responsible for the day-to-day running of the school.

“The local governing body will remain and continue to monitor and challenge the quality of educational provision in the school.

“We are not proposing to alter our school uniform, albeit the logo will be updated going forward.

“We will also continue to maintain and develop our working relationships with partner schools in Whitchurch and indeed the wider area.”

Anne Headdon, chair of governors, admitted the school had been considering options for the school to become an academy for around a year now.

She added: “We want to ensure we achieve the best fit for our school, its staff and pupils.

“After an extensive assessment process, we have chosen to join the St Bart’s family as we believe this is the best option.

“This partnership will allow us to work with high-quality schools facing the same challenges and opportunities.”

Chris Brislen, chief executive officer of St Bart’s, added: “We are delighted Whitchurch CE Infant and Nursery School is joining us as our first Shropshire-based school.”

n Meanwhile, Thomas Adams School in Wem is also investigating the possibility of converting to academy status.

The school, in Lowe Hill Road, could potentially become the lead establishment in a Multi Academy Trust,  possibly linking up with primary schools in the area.

Reports state the decision to investigate potential academy status were initiated at a meeting in March.