Cromer High School is looking into whether it should switch to academy status.

If it goes ahead with the move the school would cut its links with Norfolk County Council and be accountable to the government's Department for Education which provide direct funding.

Governors and staff at the 518-pupil school are stressing in a letter to parents that no decision has yet been made, but registering an interest was a step to gather more information.

Cromer had been invited to convert by the DfE after its recent Ofsted inspection ranked it good with outstanding features.

'The governors have not rushed to accept that invitation but will spend time gathering as much information as possible in order to be able to consider the option carefully' says a joint letter from head Glyn Hambling and chairman of governors David Fincham.

Visits had been made to schools in the midst of consultation or actively applying for academy status, it added.

The academies initiative is aimed at giving more power and freedom to heads and teachers, but criticism has included fears it would lead to a fragmented system.

The letter adds: 'We are aware that the subject of academies may be controversial. For this season it is important that everyone involved remains aware that we are committed to, and are proud of, our school.

'We all want to provide the best for our children, The governors are of the belief that it is their responsibility to promote the best interest of this school and consider all lines of organisation and provision.'