GOVERNORS of one of three schools involved in an academies plan are to push ahead with further investigations on the plan.

Scarcroft school's governors voted at the end of last week keep looking at proposals for a multi academies trust (MAT) with nearby Knavesmire and Millthorpe schools, leaving open the possibility that the three schools could leave local authority control by Christmas.

A six-week consultation process and survey for parents was run from May to June, before the governors meeting.

Chairman of the governors Will Hayler said: “There were a range of views expressed in the consultation – some parents thought it was a very good idea and some thought it was a very bad idea, but a sizeable number said they believed the governors would make the best decision for the school and would be prepared to support us, whatever the ultimate outcome."

He added: “There’s enough [in the proposal] to make it worth exploring further. Some of the reservations held by some of the parents are held by some of the governors.

"They need to be looked at fully, but there are also obviously opportunities for the school in terms of better providing for the children, supporting staff, working more closely with local schools, and making financial savings which would then be invested back into the school.

Parent Johnny Crawshaw has spoken out against the MAT plan in the past, and said that while he would have liked the governors vote against it entirely he was pleased to see it being considered carefully.

He said: "There seems to be recognition that this is a complicated step and there are lots of things to consider."

Although the consultation process is now closed, Mr Hayler said the governors had taken on board the views parents' had put forward through the survey, drop in sessions, and emails, and would continue to consider all the responses.

"We also have the views of teachers, their union representatives, the MP, the local authority, and the director of education to consider and other groups to consider as well," he added.

“We will continue to look at those next term, and satisfy ourselves whether outstanding areas of concern can be answered.”

If the other two school governing bodies support the MAT plan there will be further discussions between the three schools and with legal advisors through the autumn term, before a final decision can be taken.