�A Brentwood girls’ school has been granted academy status by the government.
Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School was notified this week that it will be able to convert after confirmation from the Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove.
It means that the school, in Queen’s Road, will be able to control its own curriculum.
In a letter to Eric Pickles, MP for Brentwood and Ongar, Mr Gove said: “I am pleased to tell you that I have agreed to enter into a funding agreement to allow Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School, in Essex, to convert into an academy.
“As you know, academies form an integral part of the government’s education policy to raise attainment for all children and to bring about sustained improvements to all schools.
“I am delighted that Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School recognises the benefits academy status will bring.”
The conversion means the school, which teaches girls aged 11 to 18, will no longer receive funding from Essex County Council.
Mr Pickles said: “This is very welcome news indeed.
“I know how hard the Ursuline has worked towards this goal and am sure with academy status the school will go from strength to strength.”
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