TWO more schools in York could become academies and join up with a popular secondary school to create another Multi Academy Trust in the city.

Hempland Primary School says governors have resolved "by a very large majority" to push ahead with the academy plan, following a consultation that began with parents in June.

It and has told parents the school is going to become a "multi academy trust" by teaming up with Archbishop Holgate's secondary school, with nearby Heworth Primary as another possible member.

Ian Dolben, chairman of governors at Heworth, said his school was a step behind Hempland with a parent consultation due to start on January 4.

"We are anxious to get full consultation on what is an important decision for the future of the school," he said.

York Press:

Hempland head teacher Stuart Outram

Heworth's governors are now writing to parents about the consultation plan, and plan to hold specific events and produce written consultation materials before their decision is taken.

At Archbishop Holgate's, headteacher Andrew Daly said the Multi Academy Trust (MAT) plan was the next logical step after the school converted to academy status in April 2011.

He said: "Over the last four years the school has gone from strength to strength. Academy status has worked really well for us.

"We have worked closely with Hempland and Heworth primaries - and the rest of the cluster - and this feels like the natural next step for the local community, to work together on education for 4-18 year olds, not just 11-18."

Archbishop Holgate's is also running a consultation on the MAT proposal - which began yesterday [Thursday] before governors decide whether to press ahead and apply to the Department for Education to form the new Trust.

The plan sees the three schools possibly following in the footsteps academies including Manor CE Academy and Poppleton Ousebank Primary School; Haxby Road and Robert Wilkinson primary schools, and the potential Southbank MAT with Millthorpe, Scarcroft and Knavesmire schools.

But the city council's education boss said schools leaving the local authority control would not stop the council working with all schools in the city to get the best education for York youngsters.

Jon Stonehouse, director of children’s services, education and skills at City of York Council said: “We know that Hempland Primary School is exploring the possibility of becoming an academy and, like those which do so, may consider local partnerships with other academies or schools.

"Academies like any school can continue to buy whichever of the council’s school services they choose and does not diminish our offer."