THE Cradley Forum is meeting this month and top of the agenda is Colley Lane Primary School becoming an academy.

The school has applied to become an academy, which will mean it will be independently run from Dudley Council and receive cash directly from the Government, and is holding a consultation with parents now.

Brian Blakemore, the chair of governors, said: “The governing body of Colley Lane Primary School has applied to become an academy under the Academies Act 2010.

“The governing body will not sign the funding agreement until parents and carers of pupils, staff at the school and pupils themselves have had the opportunity to comment on the proposals.”

Cradley and Wollescote Councillor Gaye Partridge has met with governors at the school concerning the academy application.

She said: “I think the local councillors should have been consulted about this application to become an academy and am looking into the matter to see if it will be the right decision for the school.”

Cradley and Wollescote Councillor Tim Crumpton said: “I am not happy with how the school has gone about this consultation concerning the academy status because the viewpoint from the community should be included in any decision.

“The forum meeting will give local residents, councillors and parents the chance to discuss the move.”

The Cradley Forum has taken on a more important role now the Halesowen Area Committee is no longer held in the town which used to give local residents the chance to quiz local councillors.

Cllr Crumpton added: "We are expecting the Cradley Forum to be full of residents because it is the only place that they can discuss issues affecting their area now that the Halesowen Area Committee has refused to come and meet in Cradley.”

The forum is being held on Tuesday, September 13 at 8pm in Cradley Community Centre. The school is holding meetings for parents and carers to discuss the academy bid on Monday, September 12 at 3.30pm and 7pm.