WEDMORE First School is set to become an academy, and the move could be completed before the end of the academic year.

The school’s governors unanimously agreed the move, which would see it become independent of Somerset County Council and funded directly by the state.

Among the benefits would be an increase in funding, greater control over the school budget and greater curriculum flexibility.

Governor Mal Johnson said the move could be completed before the school breaks up for the summer, adding: “We believe that the change to academy status will bring a lot of benefits for the pupils, they will benefit from substantial extra funding.”