A PRIMARYschool is preparing for a new era of self-management after becoming the first in Darlington to be granted academy status.

Alderman Leach Primary School has been granted selfgoverning status asWest Park Academy.

Six years ago, the school moved from Bates Avenue, in Darlington, to West Park, but kept its name in memory of former town mayor and educationalist Alderman Charles Henry Leach.

Governors, parents, staff and children believe the time is right to rename the school as a new era begins under the self-governing academy status.

Governors voted unanimously to apply for conversion and the government has given the school the go-ahead to become an academy from July 1. Negotiations with Darlington Borough Council are already under way to make the necessary arrangements for the changes.

Under the proposals, the school hopes to gain important freedoms, including ownership of land and buildings, aswell as greater authority over admissions.

It will also have more control over its budget, which will increase by more than £100,000.

Headteacher Catherine Thompson said: "The academy option is a means of continuing our evolution and maximising our freedoms and opportunities for the future.

"A well resourced, enriched and exciting curriculum is what children will enjoymost and, therefore, learn most from.

"We will be discussing the academy and the changes with them via school council.

"What you won't see is a reduction in support for children in terms of resources, staffing or enjoyment of their learning experience.

"The academy will also continue to work closely with neighbouring schools and those further afield."

There are no plans to change the school uniform, but the logo will be slightly redesigned.

Every child will be issued with a new sweatshirt on Wednesday, September 7.

A meeting will be held at the school tomorrow at 3pm to provide further information.