GOVERNORS of Woldgate College in Pocklington have voted unanimously to convert the school to academy status.

The application was approved by the Department for Education last September, despite objections from some parents at the school.

The decision, made by the school’s governing body, means that, when it switches to an academy, it will be removed from local authority control and funded directly by the Government.

Head teacher Jeff Bower said: “I am delighted with the decision. Academy status offers the college some crucial additional freedoms, especially over funding and the curriculum, which will enable us to tailor what we offer even more accurately to the particular needs and aspirations of our students.”

The new status brings with it new powers, namely the school will have the ability to set its own curriculum and terms and conditions for staff, and to change the lengths of terms and school days.

It will also receive the full amount of funding from central government without having to give about nine per cent of the money to East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

The school’s board of governors carried out an extensive review of the implications of conversion along with two rounds of consultation with parents, staff and all students.

Chair of governors Graham Cook said: “The overriding priority of the governing body is to help the college do what is best for the students.”