Bristol Cathedral School is in talks with the Government about becoming an academy with specialisms in music, maths and performing arts. Head teacher Hugh Monro has confirmed the plans just weeks after nearby Colston Girls' School also announced it was making the switch. Both aim to change their status to academies in September next year.

Mr Monro said: "We hope this will mean we can play a part in revitalising Bristol's musical culture. It is very exciting. These talks with the Department of Culture, Schools and Families are in the early stages and no final decision has yet been made.

"Becoming an academy is only one of several courses of action that the governors are currently considering, but the great and unique attraction of becoming an academy is that many more young people would be able to benefit from the very special ethos of the school."

It is believed the Church of England is keen to develop more academies and the Government welcomes its involvement.

Bristol Cathedral School has about 400 pupils aged 11-18. It has been an independent school since the abolition of direct grant schools in 1975. Fees are £8,658 a year.

Stephen Parsons, chairman of governors and a former pupil and head chorister, said: "It is a decision very close to my heart. An academy is, in effect, an independent state school, so if we do eventually follow that path it would in many ways mark a return to the structure that the school had for over 100 years.

"As a direct grant school, we offered a free education to pupils from all over Bristol and our excellent reputation for music and drama was laid in that era."

Tuesday July 24

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