BOSSES at a primary school have told parents they want to cut their ties with the local authority less than 18 months after the council completed its facelift.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) allocated a fair chunk of it's £61m school improvement budget to provide new classrooms for Alfred Sutton Primary School.

The project, which was unveiled in March 2016, included a 10-classroom block, an outdoor play space, a new office area and a revamped front entrance to the site.

However, this week a letter was sent out to parents, seen by the Chronicle, stating school chiefs want to change its status to an academy.

Robert Howell, head teacher at Alfred Sutton Primary School, said: "There is nothing secret about this. RBC has already been informed that we are consulting parents and staff for their views about the risks and benefits of converting to an academy.

"As you know, schools have choices, and indeed Reading already has a mix of maintained schools and academies, so it is not surprising that the Governing Body felt it should explore the pros and cons of different funding and governance arrangements.

"There is really nothing else to say at this time, beyond noting that whatever the outcome, Alfred Sutton will continue to serve all children in its local community and will continue to work constructively with Reading schools."

The letter claims the switch would improve pupils' and the school's overall performance. It also states local authority school performances are "diminishing".

It reads: "The governing body has for some time been considering the best future strategy for Alfred Sutton, particularly in light of the changes in the wider educational environment around the school.

"After much research, discussion and some soul-searching we believe that becoming an academy is in the best interests of our pupils and the school."

Other academy schools in the area include John Madejski Academy, Denefield School, Highdown School and Reading School.

Parents were invited to an information evening last night [Wednesday March 15] and tonight [Thursday March 16 to discuss the proposals.

A consultation is underway and will end on April 28.

The letter continues: "There are four reasons why we think it is time to make the change. We believe it will be better for our pupils.

"The momentum nationally for schools to become academies is clear and increasing. Local authority educational services are diminishing, we don't believe staying where we are is a long-term option.

"We want to stay in control of the school's destiny and choose our partners so we can maintain our ethos - happy together, achieving together.

"We believe it's the best route to drive further school improvement."