A Fakenham school may join the growing exodus from county council control after being given the go-ahead to become charitable trusts.Seven Norfolk schools are among 114 across England which the government has given permission to join the trust schools programme.

A Fakenham school may join the growing exodus from county council control after being given the go-ahead to become charitable trusts.

Seven Norfolk schools are among 114 across England which the government has given permission to join the trust schools programme.

Fakenham High and College and Flegg High in Martham want to set up trusts in their own right.

Trust schools are still funded by the county council, but take over ownership of their land, giving them more flexibility for future development.

They are run by a charitable trust board, which often includes representatives from industry, business, charities, colleges and health trusts.

One of the most controversial elements is that trusts have the freedom to set their own admissions policies, prompting fears that they may become selective schools and push out some of the local children from more challenging backgrounds.

No-one was available to comment at Fakenham High and College.

Being given permission to join the trust schools programme does not necessarily mean the seven Norfolk schools will become trusts. Final consent has to come from the county council.

It does, however, mean they can work towards trust status, approach potential partners and put together a proposal.