A HIGH school is set to become an academy.

Westleigh High School in Leigh has announced it will join the Shaw Education Trust, which currently has ten schools across the country, on Wednesday, August 1.

Its name will also change to “The Westleigh School”.

Head teacher Carlton Bramwell said: “By becoming an academy we will have more power to decide our own future.

“It is an exciting period of change and provides us with a valuable opportunity to further develop positive outcomes for our pupils.

“We don’t want any child to miss out on being the best they can be and the Shaw Education Trust’s expertise will help us on our journey to achieving this.

“The trust’s values are well aligned with our own and I feel they are the best fit in terms of providing the skills to move the school forward so that all our young people benefit.”

The current uniform, which was originally designed in 1976, will be changed to a new grey one after a consultation with parents.

Mr Bramwell added: “We believe that the people who live and work, and were often born and raised in this area, are well placed to influence what our school wants and needs.”

The Shaw Education Trust and the Westleigh Lane school are busy preparing for the academy conversation.

CEO of the trust, Jo Morgan, said: The school will remain at the heart of its community, and its community will remain the heartbeat of the school.

“Westleigh pupils will be nurtured, supported and challenged to become the very best versions of themselves.”