Opinions sought over Bedminster Down academy plan

Governors at Bedminster Down School in Bristol are to consult students, parents and staff on plans to become an academy.

If the school applies for academy status it could be taken out of city council control by September 2011.

Rick Palmer, the chair of governors, said he thought the change would help the school provide a better service.

"Becoming an academy will give us more freedom to focus our resources on the needs of all our students," he said.

The results of the consultation should be available by Easter.

Bristol already has a number of academy schools including the Brunel Academy in Kingswood and the Metropolitan Academy in Fishponds.