 It has links to other local high schools through a local education collaboration - the Stafford Sixth form - which provides education for 16 to 18 year olds.On 1 October 2011 it became Stafford's first academy school.As a converter academy (a formerly maintained school that has voluntarily converted to academy status), it is answerable directly to the Department for Education, but maintains strong working links with Staffordshire County Council.