A BICESTER school fighting to get out of special measures is looking to take on academy status with support from a “sponsor” organisation.

Bicester Community College (BCC) is seeking sponsored academy status to turn around its future.

Sponsors can be faith bodies, businesses, other schools or colleges, and charitable trusts.

Academy status means the school will have more control over finances and the curriculum. It was rated inadequate by Ofsted last January and placed in special measures, though inspectors have praised progress since.

Interim headteacher Tony Rushworth said: “We are looking at the academy route.

“We are looking for a possible sponsor and really trying to find a good solution for Bicester.

“It’s early days. I think a sponsored academy could be good for us.”

A meeting will be held with staff and parents before a consultation is launched.

Mr Rushworth added: “The main thing we want is a good solution for the town.

“It’s a little bit more money and there could be expertise from a sponsor who could be an educational provider themselves.”

Ofsted inspectors have visited the school three times in the last 12 months and following a November visit said the school is moving in the right direction.

They praised improved teaching and relationships between staff and pupils.

Another inspection is due to take place in May.

Bicester MP Sir Tony Baldry, who visited the school on Friday, said: “Ofsted are clearly very impressed by the progress the school has made.”