EDUCATION chiefs are to explore the possibility of transforming another Bolton school into an academy.

Governors at George Tomlinson School in Kearsley have agreed to consider exploring the idea.

Now the school will meet with Bolton Council to look at the proposal in more detail, including drawing up a possible timeframe.

A council spokesman said: “If the proposal moves forward, then as part of the process, the council would consult fully with everyone concerned and information would be distributed during 2009.

“In the meantime there are no immediate changes proposed at the school and it will continue to operate as normal.”

The school’s governing body met on Tuesday when governors were asked to consider exploring the possibility of establishing an academy.

They voted in favour, which means that they have now agreed to consider exploring the plan of an academy.

Over the coming months discussions will take place between the school and Bolton Council to consider this proposal further, including a possible timeframe.

An academy is a new kind of school set up between the Government and a sponsor with the aim of attracting outside investment to provide better educational facilities.

However, academies have sparked controversy with critics saying the private sector should not be given such a strong role in state education.

But Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Ebrahim Adia, said: “We are committed to improving the educational outcomes of all our young people, which means exploring the possibility of academies in the borough.”

The council announced in August that it was exploring plans to shut George Tomlinson School, Harper Green High School and Plodder Lane Primary, both in Farnworth, to form a new academy.

But the proposals were not pursued when members of the governing body of Harper Green School unanimously voted against them.

Withins School and Top o’ th’ Brow Primary School in Breightmet and Hayward School in Great Lever have also been earmarked for academy status.