CRADLEY Heath’s Heathfield Technology College is applying to become an academy.

The Wrights Lane school is making the application in conjunction with The Ormiston Academies Trust which helps run three other academies in Sandwell.

The school is holding a series of open evenings and days to help prospective parents, children and carers understand the changes ahead and showcase new facilities. Acting headteacher Philip Weale said: “Heathfield is currently engaged in discussions with the Ormiston Academies Trust with a view to possibly converting the status of the school to becoming an Academy from January 1 2012. “All existing as well as new students transferring from the partner primary schools would continue to receive an excellent education with all facilities being made available to all at no cost whatsoever.” The open evening is on Monday, September 26 at 6.50pm in the sports hall and open days will be held on Tuesday, September 27 and Wednesday, September 28 with tours commencing at 10am and 1pm.

Mr Weale added: “Visitors will be able to experience at first hand the outstanding buildings, learning areas and equipment which are routinely used to support the learning and progress of our students. Learning demonstrations will be available and will be led by students who currently attend Heathfield. “The curriculum is delivered by specialist staff in every subject and they will all be available and are very keen to share the excellent work they do with parents/carers and their children.”

The Ormiston Academies Trust is part of the Ormiston Trust which aims to improve the chances of youngsters in deprived areas and was set up in honour of Fiona Ormiston Murray who tragically died in 1969.

The Trust already runs The Shireland Collegiate Academy in Smethwick, The George Salter Collegiate Academy in West Bromwich and the Ormiston Sandwell Community Academy in Oldbury.

AN OFSTED inspectors report into Heathfield Technology School has just found that the school is ‘making good progress’ and praised staff and pupils at the school.

Mr Weale added: “The inspection outcomes and judgements have been achieved by the hard work and dedication of all staff, teaching and non-teaching, and supported every step of the way by students and their parents/carers. “This is a fantastic report which reflects the high quality of education provided by all connected to The Heathfield Foundation Technology College.”

For further information about the open days phone 01384 566598.