A Marlow school looks set to become an academy after deciding there is “no future in local authority maintained schools.”

After “detailed discussions”, the governing body of Burford School in Marlow Bottom say it is the “right time” for the school to start formal discussions about their future.

Governors have now passed a formal resolution to enter into a process of due diligence with the Marlow Education Trust - a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) based in Marlow that consists of Sir William Borlase Grammar School and Beechview Primary School in High Wycombe.

Burford parents were notified of the plans in a letter on February 20.

If the proposal is given the green light, new arrangements to become an academy will start in the academic year 2017/18.

In the letter, Sarah Cooper, chair of governors and Ian Garner, head teacher, said: “Our plan is to use our experiences within Burford School to lead within the MAT alongside other local leaders who share the same vision of inspiring the learner in everyone.

“A MAT structure would allow us to work with schools to both offer support in our areas of strength but also develop in areas we would like to improve.

“We have tried over the years a number of informal collaborations, the reality is that they have been limited in their success due to the individual time pressures schools face.”

They reassured parents that there will be no negative impact on pupils and the level of education provided, the school would keep its own identity and said they were engaging with staff and the wider community throughout the process.

They said: “Burford School will very much have the same feel, values and approach to learning and what makes Burford will continue to be preserved with the MAT structure.

“The MAT will only enhance the capacity to provide more opportunities for both children and the staff. Day to day running of the business of the school will change marginally for daily management and operations.”