DOZENS of schools have registered an interest in becoming academies under new Department of Education proposals.

The new government hopes hundreds more schools will convert to academy status, effectively having more control over their own budgets, curriculum and staff pay.

All schools rated as outstanding by Ofsted – including primary schools for the first time – will automatically be allowed to become academies.

Outstanding schools considering the move in Dorset and Hampshire include Lytchett Minster School, Cranborne Middle, Allenbourn Middle, Parkstone Grammar, Courthill First, Twynham School, Bransgore, Ringwood School, Emmanuel Middle, Mudeford Infants, Muscliff Primary, Lytchett Minster Primary and Hampreston.

Those not ranked as outstanding have also been urged to apply for academy status, though approval will not necessarily be granted.

They include Bournemouth School, St Michael’s Primary, Bicknell School, Ferndown Middle, Okeford Fitzpaine Primary, The Grange, Wareham Middle, Arnewood School, Carter Community, Longspee and Poole Grammar.

“I am delighted that so many schools have expressed an interest,” said Lord Hill, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools.

“There is no pressure for any school to convert by September. They can do so at any time, when they feel they are ready.

“We want schools to decide what’s best for them, not politicians or bureaucrats.”

Academies are state-maintained, but independently run with the help of outside sponsors.