AN iron sculpture of a tree has been commissioned to mark the launch day of a Cradley Heath school which is one of the first Sandwell primaries to become an academy.

Well-known Black Country sculptor Luke Perry, whose workshop is in the town, has been commissioned to make the tree for Timbertree Primary School with leaves inscribed with the signatures of every pupil and member of staff.

The finishing touches to the leaves was one of the activities held to celebrate the school’s conversion to academy status, away from local authority control.

Headteacher Hayley Walker said: “Our launch day marked a new chapter in the life of Timbertree. The school has undergone a tremendous journey over the past five years and we are now aiming to turn our ‘good’ school into an ‘outstanding’ one.

“We know how challenging this journey is but, with the effort and commitment of everyone at the school, we are determined to ensure we are able to achieve it.”

The school was formerly federated with Congreaves primary, but they are now operating as two separate schools with their own headteacher and governoring body, under the umbrella of United Learning - a group of academies and independent schools.

Ms Walker said the partnership with United Learning would play a “key part” in the school’s development, providing the chance to share learning with schools across the country.