EARLSHEATON Technology College in Dewsbury has set the wheels in motion for conversion to an academy.

The School Partnership Trust Academies (SPTA) has been selected as lead sponsor. The education body already runs 13 other academies across Yorkshire and will contract Crosland Moor’s Moor End Academy to provide additional support.

Earlsheaton’s Interim Executive Board (IEB) will continue to govern the school until the conversion process is complete.

Head teacher Paul Levey said that he did not expect this to be before the beginning of the next academic year in September. He added: “I think we will benefit from extra provision and improved resources that the chain of academies will bring.”

A formal consultation period will begin shortly and views of staff, parents, carers and the wider community will be taken into account.

John Broadhead, IEB chairman, said an important milestone had been reached. Selecting SPTA as lead sponsor with Moor End Academy in support represented an excellent solution to Earlsheaton Technical College’s needs.