Michael Gove clears 100 schools to become academies

More than 100 top London schools are planning to opt out of council control and could become academies by September.

Education Secretary Michael Gove has pre-approved all schools which Ofsted has rated "outstanding" to convert to academies once new laws have cleared Parliament.

Mr Gove's new semi-independent academies will have more freedom over how they teach children and flexibility on teachers' pay. They will be able to control their own affairs instead of being run by local councils.

About 110 "outstanding" state schools in London, including leading grammars and primaries for the first time, have registered an interest in becoming academies.

Schools minister Lord Hill said: "I am delighted that so many schools have expressed an interest. We expect schools to keep their governors, staff and parents updated on progress."