JUST one mainstream secondary school in Brentwood exists under the control of the local education authority, following the decision of the Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School to convert to academy status.
The decision follows that of Shenfield High School, St Martins and Anglo-European to opt for direct Government funding.
Brentwood's newest secondary school, Becket Keys, is also directly funded by Whitehall as a free school.
Academies currently receive about ten per cent extra cash – money the local education authority would have kept back to administer schools.
However, the amount of money given to each academy will decrease as more schools opt in to the system.
Brentwood County High is unable to apply for academy status while it carries a satisfactory Ofsted rating.
In a letter to MP Eric Pickles, education secretary Michael Gove said: "I am pleased to tell you that I have agreed to enter into a funding agreement to allow Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School, in Essex, to convert into an academy.
"As you know, academies form an integral part of the Government's education policy to raise attainment for all children and to bring about sustained improvements to all schools.
"I am delighted that Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School recognises the benefits academy status will bring.
The date of conversion will be October 1 and I am also writing to the local authority to instruct them to cease to maintain Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School from that date."
Mr Pickles said: "This is very welcome news indeed.
"I know how hard the Ursuline has worked towards this goal and am sure with academy status the school will go from strength to strength."
Head teacher Richard Wilkin could not be reached for comment on this matter as the Gazette went to press.
