HOUNSLOW Manor School will become the fourth of Boris Johnson's flagship London Mayoral Academies from April 1, the school has confirmed.
The school, in Prince Regent Road, Hounslow, will change its name to Kingsley Academy, as part of the change, following consultation with staff, students and parents.
Academy schools are independent from council control, giving them greater freedom when it comes to delivering the curriculum, among other matters.
Kingsley Academy will be the 12th secondary school in Hounslow to gain academy status.
Headteacher Anjali Sakhardande said the new academy would continue to 'build on the strengths' of the existing school.
"Students, parents and staff are excited and delighted that we have this wonderful opportunity to build on our successes and showcase our achievements," she told the Chronicle.
"Becoming an academy with the London Academies Enterprise Trust (LAET) will strengthen our rapid progress to outstanding."
The LAET, supported by London Mayor Boris Johnson, already sponsors two schools in Enfield and one in Bexley.
The trust was set up with the ambition of raising pupils' aspirations and preparing them for the labour market. It promises to help ensure access to a job or training offer for all pupils not choosing to progress to higher education.
Not everyone is happy about the name change. Chris Durkin, organiser of the Hounslow Town Centre Neighbourhood Forum Group, said dropping 'Hounslow' from the school's title would not help efforts to transform the town's image.
"The school wants to rebrand itself as a better school but the only way to do that is by improving results. I don't think the name should be meddled with," he added.
What do you think? Email robertcumber@trinitysouth.co.uk.
