Academy plans anger parents (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Academy plans anger Burntwood School parents

1:50pm Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News

Academy plans anger Burntwood School parents

Plans to turn a school into an academy have sparked anger from a group of parents.

Burntwood School, in Burntwood Lane, Earlsfield, told parents in December proposals were in place to get academy status for the school in 2013.

The school, which has foundation status and scored a 'Good' in its latest Ofsted inspection, would no longer be controlled by the council but directly by the Department for Education (DfE).

A decision is due to be approved by a panel of governors next week.

Parents have voiced concerns, fearing the impact it will have on their children's education.

Alison Higgs, who has a 14-year-old daughter at the school, said: "We believe the quality of education will be affected. Schools can employ unqualified teachers instead of more experienced teachers.

"They can set their own terms and conditions. We are worried financial issues will take priority and will have a negative impact on our daughter's education."

The social worker, of Brixton Hill, said she wants to attend the governor's meeting and present her own survey results gathered from leafleting outside the school.

Her results found about 80 per cent of year 11 parents did not want it to become an academy.

Feedback from a consultation form on the school's website said students, staff and parents were consulted and 1735 forms were posted.

A reply to a parent asking what would happen if it did not become an academy on the feedback form said: "We cannot predict the future.

"However, in the short term, the school will have less money to spend on the students and more parents may be concerned that we have not converted like almost every other Wandsworth School and wonder why."

Helen Dorfman, principal, said: "A small number of parents organised an additional meeting in opposition to the proposal and their views are also being considered.

"This group has asked to make a presentation at the governing body meeting, however, these parents have expressed their views at meetings governors have attended.

"The governing body is always concerned to make decisions in the best interests of the school."