THE Chase Technology College in Malvern is to become an academy in September.

It means the school will now become independent of the local authority, Worcestershire County Council, and will get its funding direct from the government.

The decision was made at a meeting of the school governors last week, when, in a secret ballot, all those present voted for the move.

It comes after governors and staff have spent months investigating the pros and cons of the idea. The Department for Education has approved the school’s proposals, including its financial plan.

Head teacher Kevin Peck said: "Staff, students, parents and the county council were all informed last week. The governors and senior staff will now be working hard to make sure that the change in status is achieved with minimal disruption to the work of the school and proves to be in the best interests of students, staff and parents."

He said the move to academy status would have two advantages.

He added: "Firstly, we will get our hands on the part of our budget, about eight per cent, which is currently absorbed by the county council. Some of that money is spent on things we don't necessarily need, and we'll be able to use it more in accordance with our needs.

"Secondly, we'll have greater flexibility. Over the years, schools have lost some of the independence they once enjoyed, and academy status will enable us to regain that and develop a curriculum that really meets the needs of local pupils. I think that from September we will be going from strength to strength."