BRADWORTHY pupils and staff celebrated the award of academy status to their school with a cake-cutting ceremony last Friday (March 4).

Bradworthy is in the first wave of top primary schools to become academies — a move which frees them from local authority control and allows staff and governors greater control over the running of their schools.

Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove gave Bradworthy Primary School final approval to convert to an academy on March 1.

"Gaining academy status confirms the 'forward-thinking' direction we have been moving in for some years," said Headteacher, Mr Richard Stephenson.

For the full report, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.