GOVERNORS at a top North Somerset school have voted to change how it is managed so it can gain more power and control over its own affairs

GOVERNORS at a top North Somerset school have voted to change how it is managed so it can gain more power and control over its own affairs.Gordano School in Portishead has changed its status to a foundation school and will no longer be administered by North Somerset Council.Governors of foundation schools employ their own staff and the school now owns its land and buildings, all of which were previously controlled by the council.It could also introduce a selection policy where it would pick and choose its students but Gordano has been quick to rule this possibility out.Governors met earlier this month to consider the change after a period of extensive consultation. They voted unanimously to convert to foundation status.The move comes after Ofsted inspectors handed the school a glowing report, classifying it in some areas as 'outstanding'. Excellent GCSE and A-Level results are also expected after last summer's fantastic achievements in exam results.The school currently employs 180 staff, has more than 1,700 pupils and operates on an annual budget of more than £7million.It will be the second school in North Somerset to become a foundation school after Churchill announced it would also convert to the new status.Headteacher Graham Silverthorne says Gordano will continue to work with other North Somerset schools and the local authority and underlined that Gordano will now have more flexibility and control over its own affairs.He said: "The vast majority of responses received over the extended consultation period have been encouraging and supportive, with only one notable exception."Becoming a foundation school can only strengthen our progress and our resolve to become one of the best state schools in the country."We remain comprehensive and we remain committed to promoting the interests of all of the young people who attend our school.