Another Norwich high school is considering becoming an academy.

Notre Dame High School, in Surrey Street, has announced that it is beginning a consultation process to decide if the school should become an academy.

Academies are funded directly by the Department for Education rather than the local authority. They are given greater financial freedom and are not subject to local authority control.

Headteacher Brian Conway said: 'It is a pragmatic decision really. When you look at the situation across Norfolk and nationally, more and more schools are taking on academy status.

'We have looked at this very closely.

'We have a very good relationship with the local authority and this is in no way a reflection of them, but we feel there would be some benefits to becoming an academy.'

Mr Conway said the school was seeking views from as many people as possible.

He said: 'We are speaking with our staff, students, parents and our diocese. The decision will not be made until November. If we do decide to become an academy we would be looking at converting in early 2012.'

A letter from Mr Conway and chairman of governors Linda Bennett has been sent out to parents, students and friends of the school explaining the situation. Part of the letter says: 'In considering academy status, the governors are not seeking to change the school in terms of its Catholic ethos, name, relationship with the Catholic Church, the school day or term dates, the admissions policy, uniform, conditions of service for staff or the way the school currently works with the local family of Catholic or other schools.'

People should send in their views by October 14, either by emailing academyconsultation@notredamehigh.norfolk.sch.uk or by post to Notre Dame High School, Surrey Street, Norwich, NR1 3PB.

For more information visit www.ndhs.org.uk

Other academies in this area include Ormiston Victory, formerly Costessey High, and City Academy, formerly Earlham High.

What do you think about schools becoming academies? Write to Evening News letters at Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE, or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk