Academy plan revealed at High Arcal School celebration

A Black Country school unveiled plans to become an academy at a reunion event for former staff and pupils held to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The surprise announcement about the future of High Arcal School, High Arcal Drive, Sedgley, was made at an anniversary lunch which saw the former staff and pupils return to recall their days in the classroom.

If all goes to plan the school could secure academy status by December 1. Headteacher Jo Manson said the change of status would not affect the school's ethos.

She said: "Nothing is going to change in terms of our values but it gives us more freedom for spending budgets which will be of benefit to the students."