CORNGREAVES and Timbertree Primary Schools in Cradley Heath have finally broken away from Sandwell Council and become academies.

The two schools, which are in a federation, opted to join United Learning’s stable of over 30 academies last year but a wrangle over sewer water damage at Corngreaves had held the deal up.

However, when pupils returned from half term the schools had changed status to academies.

Michelle Green, headteacher of Corngreaves Primary School, said: “As an academy, we will retain everything that is already “Outstanding” about Corngreaves Primary School and will work with United Learning to continue to enhance the opportunities available to our pupils.

“This follows a thorough consultation with staff and parents who, together with the governors, strongly welcome our move to academy status.”

Hayley Walker, headteacher of Timbertree Primary School, added: ”We are very pleased to have become an academy and to have joined United Learning.

“We are excited about all the opportunities being part of United Learning creates for our pupils, staff and parents and we look forward to meeting all the other schools in the group and working with them.”

A dispute between Sandwell Council and Severn Trent Water over who would foot the bill over sewer water damage at Corngreaves Primary School held up the transition of both schools becoming academies.

Cradley Heath and Old Hill Councillor John Tipper said: “I’m pleased this issue has at last been resolved.

“We have big plans for Timbertree Primary School and this is the first step in getting them off the ground.”

United Learning has over 30 academies and independent schools across the country and began life as a Christian education provider in the 19th Century.

Andy Buck, United Learning’s managing director of academies, said: “I am delighted to welcome both Corngreaves and Timbertree Primary Schools into United Learning.

“Both schools have a huge amount to offer United Learning and we look forward to learning from them as well as sharing our own expertise and resources.

“They are both very welcome additions to our growing group of schools.”