Six local schools have registered an interest in the coalition Government’s scheme to encourage publicly-funded academies.
The move would give them greater freedom from the local authority.
They are:Fallibroome High School, in Macclesfield; Poynton High School; All Hallows Catholic College, in Macclesfield; Lower Park Primary School, in Poynton; Mottram St Andrew Primary School and Prestbury Church of England Primary School.
This would allow them to take control of their own budgets, set their own pay and conditions, and even change the length of the school day.
By registering, the six schools have formally confirmed an interest but have not made any commitment.
Peter Rubery, head of Fallibroome High School, on Priory Lane, is running a parent, staff and student consultation until July 17, before a decision is made.
In a letter to parents he said: "At this early stage we have many questions that require answering but governors have approved a resolution to start the three-month process of application, from which we can withdraw at any time. Our intention is to create the conditions for our students to grow and achieve, to maintain our excellence and to continue to support our partner schools. We will consider very carefully how this vision can be achieved and whether our community is best served by adopting such ‘freedoms’ as may be available, or better served by maintaining the status quo. We would not consider this option unless we were sure that it would provide the means to enhance opportunities for students and maintain our success."
Lynn McCay, whose daughter Bethany is due to start year 11 at All Hallows in September, said: "We haven’t heard anything about it. I think, as a parent, it seems to be a good idea, if it’s a way of easing the financial burden on schools then I’m all for it, but the education of our children must be at the forefront."
All applications to become academies will be subject to the passing of the Academies Bill in July, with those rated as outstanding by Ofsted qualifying for a fast-track application.
The first academies will open in September.
Education secretary Michael Gove said: "We think headteachers know how to run their schools better than bureaucrats or politicians. I am delighted that so many schools have expressed an interest."
