Academies plan for town schools

Plans to turn two Kettering schools into academies have been put forward by Northamptonshire County Council.

Academies are state-funded schools which can be sponsored by private firms, individuals, charities or religious groups.

Ise Community College and Montagu School are set to be sponsored by the United Learning Trust (ULT).

The charity, which is one of the UK's largest academy sponsors, already sponsors the Northampton Academy.

Cabinet member for children and young people Joan Kirkbride said: "This is a very exciting time for schools in Kettering.

"The introduction of academies will also put these schools in a far stronger position to grow in the future and cope with the predicted rise in population.

"We have ensured that head teachers, governors and other partners such as the borough council have been involved in these discussions every step of the way.

"We all share the vision and aim to improve the quality of education in Kettering and make it fit for the future."