ACQUIRING foundation status will strengthen Hanley Castle High School’s ability to “deliver the very best education for its students”, say governors.

Hanley officially became a foundation school on Friday (April 1), granting it greater autonomy and placing more responsibility for important decisions into the hands of its governing body.

The move follows on from a public consultation held last year.

Chair of governors Jeff Robinson said foundation status would benefit students and the school in a number of ways, providing a greater sense of ownership and enabling more focus of the needs of children, staff, parents and the wider community than is possible under the control of the local authority.

“In practical terms, the change of status means that it is the governing body, rather than the local authority, which now employs staff and is legally responsible for the health and safety of everyone in the school community,” he explained. “The governing body and senior leadership team believe the change will strengthen the school's ability to go on delivering the very best education for its students, and underpins its belief that every child should be able to develop their unique talents and achieve their full potential in a positive, supportive environment.”