A CONSULTATION has been launched over plans to convert a Leominster school into an academy.

A letter has been sent to all parents and carers of pupils at Leominster Primary School explaining the governors' proposal join the Malvern-based Mercian Educational Trust (MET) – which currently consists of Somers Park Primary and Great Malvern Primary.

School governors say they are unanimously in favour of pursuing an application to convert and have informed the Department for Education (DfE) and Herefordshire Council of their plans.

MET is currently in the process of building a new school in Malvern while Somers Park is rated as outstanding.

In a letter to parents, Leominster Primary School, which was created following an amalgamation of the town's primary and junior schools in 2014, outlines the benefits of joining MET.

Signed by head teacher, Tim Mamak and Tim Stiles, chair of the governing body, it states: "The ethos of the schools within MET is the same as LPS. Sharing best practice within MET which includes the outstanding Somers Park Primary would improve progress and outcomes for our children.

"LPS would retain its distinct identity with its own head teacher, staff and governing body as before. LPS would have significant representation on the board of directors of the Trust and be able to shape the Trust going forward.

"LPS will benefit from the financial clout of MET and should be able to reduce the cost of services. An example is insurance where we might be able to save £20,000 each year on current cost."

The letter stated that governors had been looking to the future and considering how to best meet the learning needs of children going forward and that a number of factors had been taken into account – with an overriding desire to build upon the quality of education provided.

"A Multi Academy Trust is where academies become a legal partnership, sharing resources, skills and staffing. There has been a widespread initiative for academies to join together in this way for the last two or three years," it said.

"LPS governors have examined the situation in depth looking at different models and solutions and have arrived at a decision that they feel best meets the learning needs of our children and sustains our commitment to the Leominster community."

Responses to the proposals are being sought by Friday, January 27 and comments can be recorded on the form sent out with the letter and posted in the 'consultation' postbox in the school's reception.