Oak National Academy is set to receive government funding for an additional two terms, with an option under discussion to turn it into a government arm’s length body from Easter, Tes understands.

Oak’s current funding package is due to run out at the end of this academic year.

Sources close to the negotiations about the online academy’s future say an initial two-term extension will tide Oak over until the spring, by which point it hopes to secure a permanent funding stream from the government.

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This would potentially involve forming an arm’s-length body to take charge of the platform, Tes has been told.

It is understood that Oak hopes to remain “optional, free and independent” in whatever form it takes.

Oak will consult with teachers who created content for the online platform over the copyright implications of the proposed move, it is understood.