A HALSTEAD primary school has revealed it plans to become an academy.

Richard de Clare Primary School, in Parsonage Street, wants to join the chain which runs local schools including Halstead’s Ramsey Academy, this September.

The school, rated good by Ofsted inspectors last July, has written to parents seeking support for the move.

Headteacher Sarah Donnelly said: “The process of investigating academy options began at the be- ginning of this school year.

“We decided to look at becoming part of an academy trust because we believe strong collaboration with shared accountability can lead to better pro- gress and attainment for pupils.

“Parents on the whole seem supportive of the plan, as was borne out by the fact that no parents attended our first public meeting last night [Tuesday].”

The school is looking to join North Essex Multi Academy Trust (Nemat), which comprises Notley High School, Braintree Sixth Form and Ramsey Academy.

Mrs Donnelly, added: “Our decision to join Nemat was taken as the trust has a proven record in school improvement, we have closely aligned priorities with the trust, we will benefit from joining an existing trust from their experience of the conversion process and the additional admin that will be generated, but most importantly because we believe in a family of schools working with our local community.”

The letter issued to parents, written by Mrs Donnelly and chairman of governors Andy Allocca, said: “Other local primary schools are looking to join Nemat in the coming months.

“Schools joining the Nemat will retain their own distinctive characters and identities; including their own uniforms, logos and websites.

“Most importantly, our schools will keep their own ethos, aims and values.

“As an academy, we would be able to determine for ourselves which, if any, of those services we want the local authority to provide.

“Accountability would be direct to the Department for Education rather than the local authority.”

The school has entered a consultation period running until May 4, and held two open meetings on Tuesday and Thursday.