TWO York primary schools are asking parents whether they should join an academy trust that already runs four schools and has another in the pipeline.

Hob Moor Oaks and Hob Moor School have started a public consultation to consider becoming an academy.

The schools – a mainstream primary and a primary special school – currently operate as a federation and share the same governing body and same site in Green Lane, Acomb.

If the governing body votes to become an academy, they are looking at joining forces with Ebor Academy Trust, a York-based multi-academy trust currently running four schools, including Haxby Road Primary Academy and Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy in Strensall.

Outside York, Ebor runs the Ebor Academy Filey and Brotherton and Byram Community Primary Academy near Knottingley. In September they will open Staynor Hall Community Primary Academy in Selby.

Principal Cath Hindmarch said: “Entering a period of consultation does not mean we will become an academy, at this stage it is a commitment to explore the options to see if this move is right for us – our children our staff, our children and our community."

During the consultation period, senior staff and governors will arrange formal meetings and drop-in events and discuss the principle with parents, carers and staff.

Chairman of governors Jane Guilfoyle, said: “There will be every opportunity for everyone’s views to be heard and questions answered before governors – who run the school – take the final decision. There is a lot of work to do and we will keep parents informed at every stage.

“In early, informal talks with Ebor we have discovered they share our values and ethos and we believe they may be a good ‘fit’. Should we decide to become an academy and join them, they would handle core business activities such as payroll and HR, leaving teaching and learning – our real passion and core business – to us, with support as appropriate.”

The Press reported earlier this month that Ebor plan to put in a bid to the government to create a new school, the Creative Arts Academy York.

If given the green light, the school would initially be a primary school for about 420 pupils plus a unit for children with special educational needs and disabilities at the former Park & Ride site at Askham Bar.

Ebor are to submit a bid to central Government and need people to go to their website, www.creativeartsacademyyork.org to register interest as part of the bid by March 2.