JUST one Merseyside school has taken up the offer to become an independent “academy” – dashing government hopes that scores would make the switch.

Birkenhead’s Ridgeway High is the only school to have decided to make the leap – and the paperwork is unlikely to have been completed for a single new academy to be created by September, Education Secretary Michael Gove appeared to admit.

Those judged outstanding by Ofsted are being “fast-tracked”, suggesting a smooth ride for Ridgeway.

Last month, Mr Gove hinted that hundreds would convert to academies this autumn, describing the response as “overwhelming”.

But he admitted this week some might be thinking again.

Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: “We are far short of Michael Gove's claims.”

Ridgeway appeared to be heading for closure, until last autumn, when proposals for a “three into two” model – closing Park High, Rock Ferry High and Ridgeway – were replaced with a “two into one” approach, linking Rock Ferry High and Park High schools to create one academy.