TURNING into an academy now would be a risk, according to the headteacher of the last secondary school in Swindon to remain under the control of the council.

Crowdy’s Hill School, which caters for children with complex needs, is yet to convert to academy status, which would mean it had freedom from local and central government control, could set pay and conditions for staff and decide how they deliver the curriculum.

Headteacher Peter Crockett and the school governors have chosen not to consider converting until they hear whether they have been successful in their bid for a Government grant for a new building.

“We daren’t turn into an academy with this present building because the cost of repairs to this building would be astronomical,” he said.

“It would be a financially risky decision to go for academy status and could have an adverse effect on the funding for children’s education.

“We are not ruling it out, it’s a practical reason. If we became an academy now we would be taking a huge risk and we don’t take risks with education.”

Concerns about the 1960s building in Jefferies Avenue include a leaking flat roof, narrow corridors which cause problems when two wheelchair or walking frame users pass each other.

In addition, classrooms in the main building are too small, and old heating and electric systems could need replacing soon.

Eleven of the 21 classrooms are also in temporary accommodation, which causes problems for students travelling between classes.

The school is waiting to hear in the nest few weeks whether a bid to the Department for Education for a new building has been successful.

It is estimated a new building will cost between £10m and £15m.

“We have a building that doesn’t allow us to be as creative as we would like to be,” said Mr Crockett. “Ofsted inspectors, who visited in February last year, said our school is good with outstanding features, but even Ofsted highlights problems with the building.”

“We have had support from MPs and councillors and we have had excellent support from the lead member for education.

“This school needs a new building and we are desperately hoping that the bid will fall in our favour.”

Nationally there has been an explosion in the number of academies, with 1,776 now open compared to 203 in May 2010.

The chairwoman of the school governors, Penny Lake, said: “The building is no longer fit for purpose for the complex needs of the students. Also, the age of the building means that there is a possibility of many repairs in the future.

“To convert to an academy with this expense looming over us would be very irresponsible.”