South Gloucestershire and Stroud College governors have agreed to sponsor Forest Academy School in Cinderford following the successful completion of an extensive due diligence exercise.

Kevin Hamblin, Principal of SGS and CEO of the newly formed SGS Academy Trust, the body which will oversee the academic and financial performance of Forest Academy, said: "SGS were approached before Christmas by the Regional Schools Commissioner to consider the proposal to sponsor Forest Academy.

"Since January, we have been working directly with the school and undertaking a due diligence exercise so college governors could formally consider the proposal and decide if we would be in a position to formally accept the assets and liabilities of the school. That exercise was successfully completed recently and I am pleased to say that Governors elected to sponsor Forest Academy from March 1st".

There was a risk that the school would be closed if a new sponsor wasn't found and this news will provide current pupils, parents and staff at the school comfort that not only will the school stay open, but SGS will bring a considerable amount of expertise and assistance to the school which has struggled recently to perform academically.

Kevin Hamblin added: "SGS has already begun working with staff at Forest Academy and I have to say that the response we have received from them has been terrific. The school has the potential to be a vibrant hub for Cinderford and I believe parents in Cinderford will support a well-run, high performing school with a wide curriculum which is relevant for the community it serves.

"Over 100 children currently travel out of Cinderford for secondary education at a considerable cost to families not to mention the increased travel time for the young person. I would ask those parents in Cinderford considering a school other than Forest for their child in September to re-look at their options.

"Forest Academy will be re-launched with a brand new name and curriculum for September 2015 just after half term and a new prospectus will be available to present the new school to parents and children. SGS College are determined to ensure that existing and new pupils in the school get the very best education possible, and we will soon announce a major partnership with one of the highest performing schools in the country who will be providing addition rigour to the education offered at the school, to support development of staff and bring a considerable change to the quality of teaching and learning.

"All parents with children in year 6 at primary schools in Cinderford will be contacted shortly to provide them with more information and an open event at the school is being arranged for those parents who wish to know more about the plans for the school before making a decision over a school for their child starting in September 2015".