New academy consultation extended

The chosen sponsor for Unity College also runs a school in Grimsby

A public consultation into whether a Northamptonshire school should be made into an academy has been extended because parents demanded more time.

Northamptonshire County Council said it was looking at the proposal in a bid to "raise educational standards" at Unity College in Northampton.

Earlier this year the proposal was halted due to a lack of support.

The second consultation has been extended because parents want time to visit an academy in Grimsby.

The Havelock Academy in Grimsby is sponsored by the same organisation as the proposed one in Northampton, the David Ross Foundation.

In April, the council's cabinet called a halt to the original academy proposals because of a lack of support among staff, parents and the wider community for the sponsorship arrangements.

The proposed sponsor was then a consortium made up of the county council, the Diocese of Peterborough, Bishop Stopford School and Moulton College.

The David Ross Foundation, set up by businessman David Ross, was chosen as the new sponsor in July.

Now parents will have until 8 December to have their say.