School academy bids on timetable

By Steph Barnett
Schools in and around Sandbach could soon break away from the local authority, after registering an interest in becoming academies.
On Friday the Department of Education released a full list of schools interested in becoming academies, which are state-maintained, but independently run schools, established and managed by sponsors.
The list was released after the Government bowed to pressure from unions and anti-academy campaigners, under the Freedom of Information act.
It is divided into those rated "outstanding" by Ofsted, who can apply to be fast-tracked into the scheme by September, and all others who have expressed an interest.
There were 14 "outstanding" schools in Cheshire East, including Goostrey Community Primary School, Smallwood CE Primary School, Rode Heath Primary School, Sandbach School and Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College.

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