Monday 23 December 2013

Lilac Sky Academy Trust to sponsor East Sussex academies

BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-25435975

"Lilac Sky, based in Chelmsford, Essex, will manage academies to be built in Hailsham and Newhaven. East Sussex County Council successfully applied to the government's Education Funding Agency for extra funding for the academies."

£900k first term for Durham free school

The Northern Echo: http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/northdurham/durham/10890219.Near___1m_cost_of_Durham_free_school_s_first_term_a_waste_of_public_money___MP/


"A CONTROVERSIAL free school’s first term has cost the taxpayer nearly £900,000 – or more than £25,000 per pupil, new figures reveal. In a letter to Durham City MP Roberta Blackman-Woods, Tory Schools Minister Lord Nash says Durham Free School (DFS) has received funding of £894,787, prompting the Labour MP to brand the school a waste of public money.


"Durham Free School funding included £313,114 in a general annual grant, £300,000 in pre-opening grant, £140,000 in post-opening grants and £127,500 in capital costs.

Council officer questions legality of conversion bid

Whitby Gazette: http://www.whitbygazette.co.uk/news/local/education-chief-grills-eskdale-on-academy-idea-1-6328464

"Peter Dwyer, corporate director for Children and Young People’s Services wrote a five page letter to headteacher Sue Whelan earlier this month... (commenting on whether the decision was based on information regarding financial, staffing and curricular implications)... Mr Dwyer said in Eskdale’s case he was compelled to write saying “the consultation document which we have had sight of does not address matters of detail regarding these critical matters.”
"He accuses Eskdale governors of ‘misleading’ parents about gaining academy status and changing the leaving age from 14 to 16 at the same time."

Cornwall's largest secondary and primary form multi-academy trust

This is Cornwall: http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Secondary-school-primary-join/story-20331842-detail/story.html#axzz2oISQeIsi


CORNWALL'S largest secondary school and primary school will join forces next year... Newquay Tretherras Academy and Newquay Junior Academy, which have around 1,650 and 550 pupils respectively, will operate as a multi-academy trust (MAT) from April 1. (Newquay Education Trust)

Headteacher of Tretherras, Sue Martin, said: "Schools need to get into these types of partnerships with funding the way it is going and education policy often being decided at a local level. It's a practical and pragmatic solution and lots of schools, particularly in Cornwall, are looking to form trusts and partnerships where they can share costs."







Galloway calls commoms debate on when academy heads should resign

George Galloway: http://www.georgegalloway.net/2013/12/mp-calls-for-kings-free-school.html

George Galloway has submitted a motion for debating whether academy heads under investigation should resign. He mentions Sajid Raza of Kings Science Academy in Bradford and Greg Wallace, former academy 'superhead' in Hackney.

EFA provides cash to build Kingston free school

Your Local Guardian:   http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10892670.Government_finally_stumps_up_cash_for_North_Kingston_secondary_school/  (Useful timeline provided in the story)

"Graham Willett, of Education Kingston - the consortium of Kingston Council, Kingston College and Kingston University which will run the free school - said: "We are delighted the EFA are supporting our school with an amount of money that will ensure an outstanding physical environment for teaching and learning."

"The funding for the school has been hanging in the balance since the coalition Government took over and education secretary Michael Gove scrapped the Building Schools for the Future programme which would have provided money."

 (Useful timeline provided in the story)

Lincoln primary converts despite 'decreased funding incentives'

Sleaford Standard: http://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/education/education-news/village-school-switches-to-be-an-academy-1-5763794

Headteacher Katie Bartle said that although funding incentives had decreased, the benefits of greater autonomy and being in control of their own destiny and finances outweighed staying in local authority control. They could get best value for money for securing services with longer-term improvements to what can be offered at the school.

Sleaford Standard: "The change came into effect on December 1 and means that they will be joining the William Alvey, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Ruskington Chestnut Street and Rauceby primary schools as academies that serve the Sleaford area."


Education speaker/ award: http://www.theguardian.com/innovation-education/speakers-2012

Bolton councillors pressed to lobby government against academy status

This is Lancashire:
http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/10890176.Parents_ask_Bury_Council_to_lobby_government_against_controversial_Elton_Primary_academy_plans/



"Members of protest group Save Elton Primary School used public question time at last Wednesday’s full council meeting at Bury Town Hall to raise the issue with Cllr Mike Connolly. Cllr Connolly was asked if he would write to Education Secretary Michael Gove to reconsider the decision.

"Elton is the second local primary school to be turned into an academy, following Radcliffe Primary, which is set to be converted on January 1.

"The process for Elton to be turned into an academy will continue on January 28, when Gena Merrett, a Department for Education adviser, will attend the school to hand over papers. If governors object at that meeting, the current board could be replaced by an interim executive board to force through the change."

Friday 20 December 2013

Battersea Park school becomes Harris Academy

Local Guardian: http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10888703.Battersea_Park_School_to_become_an_academy_next_September/?ref=var_0


Battersea Park School, in Battersea Park Road, Battersea, will become a Harris Academy next September. The move has caused upset within the school's management team, with school governors resigning over the decision. The chair of governors has resigned, as well as Latchmere ward councillor, Councillor Tony Belton.

Harris academy Haringey primary success

The Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/schools/downhills-primary-school-a-notorious-school-that-has-become-an-advert-for-the-academy-system-9013892.html

Downhills Primary changed to Harris Primary Academy Philip Lane.

Richard Garner, the Independent's education editor: "I must confess that at the time of the controversy I felt that the Government was being a bit heavy-handed because of the school's 2012 results. However, it would now be hard to deny that the children are getting a better standard of education. And that's the main thing.

"A few teachers left after the handover – some because they did not feel that they could live up to the new regime's insistence that every lesson should be good or outstanding, others out of principle that they would prefer to work for a local authority-maintained school than an academy. Almost all the parents stayed loyal to the school, though."

Three of the six Nottingham schools in special measures are academeis

BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-25444189


"Six secondary schools in Nottingham have been placed in special measures after a series of unannounced Ofsted inspections in the city.

"The six schools placed in special measures were Farnborough School, Big Wood School, Hadden Park School, Djanogly City Academy, Bulwell Academy, and Nottingham University Samworth Academy.


"Head teacher Andy Kilpatrick of Djanogly City Academy said: "We have come a long way but still have a long way to go. "The Ofsted outcome is a disappointment but not a surprise."

Special school free school opens

UPDATE May 8 2014 from Haverhill Echo: 'Joined by West Suffolk MP Matthew Hancock and other invited guests, Lord Nash opened Churchill School in Chalkstone Way, one of just eight such schools in the country, on Friday (2).'

Haverhill Echo: http://www.haverhillecho.co.uk/news/latest-news/new-haverhill-school-moves-nearer-to-completion-1-5752235


"The school, next to Samuel Ward Academy in Chalkstone Way, caters for students with communication and language difficulties and those on the autism spectrum. It is the first of its type in Haverhill and was born out of a need to cater for children in the town and surrounding villages who have special needs but who currently have to travel much further to have those met. Charlie Taylor, chief executive of the National College of Teaching and Leadership, who has a strong interest in the development of special schools, cut a ribbon to celebrate the completion of phase one."

Suffolk

Thursday 19 December 2013

£2.35 billion extra for school places

From the BBC:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-25432376


"A further £2.35bn has been announced to create more school places in England, as schools struggle to keep up with pressure from a rising population. The extra money, announced by Education Secretary Michael Gove, is in addition to £5bn already committed for places...

 "Peter John, Labour councillor and London Councils' executive member for children's services, said: "London has the UK's highest demand for new school places, with over 118,000 new places needed by 2016, so today's funding announcement is a welcome step in the right direction. "We are particularly pleased that the Department for Education has recognised the higher costs London boroughs are facing. "Moving to a three-year funding cycle is also an important improvement to the funding arrangements as this will allow boroughs to plan ahead, especially as the pupil pressure moves from primary to secondary."


Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/dec/18/michael-gove-extra-funding-new-classrooms-baby-boom


Background data: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-capacity-academic-year-2012-to-2013

and

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/capital-allocations-for-basic-need-and-infant-free-school-meals

BBC: Luton school turns down Barnfield as sponsor

From the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-25409726

"...But the process was halted after complaints about financial management and governance of Barnfield Federation and Barnfield College, which it runs. 'Reputation of school' In October, the Department for Education and the Skills Funding Agency confirmed they were investigating allegations of grade massaging and "operational finances" against Barnfield Federation and Barnfield College but would not comment further...   The Hertfordshire-based Barnfield Federation runs four academies, a free school and a college in Bedfordshire."

Guardian discussion on governor breakdown

The Guardian http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2013/dec/17/outstanding-school-governance-next-level


Funded by Zurich Municipal



Wendy Berliner (chair) Head of education, Guardian Professional

Paul Tombs Head of education, Zurich Municipal

Rob Wall Head of education and employment policy, Confederation of British Industry

Nick Chambers Director of the Education and Employers Taskforce

Neil Carmichael MP for Stroud and member of the education select committee

Michael Jeans Trustee, Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools

Leora Cruddas Director of policy, Association of School and College Leaders

Chris James Professor of educational leadership and management, University of Bath

Dave Lake Chair of governors, Bow school, east London

Andy Kent Chair of governors, Didsbury Road primary school, Stockport

Emma Knights Chief executive officer, National Governors Association

Kent Sandom Governor, Greenford high school, Southall

Ruth Agnew Chair of governors Locking Stumps community primary school, Warrington

First English Mandarin free school approved

The Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/first-englishmandarin-bilingual-free-school-to-open-9008942.html

"The Marco Polo Academy will open as a free school in the north London borough of Barnet. At first, it will offer places to 52 children in two reception classes and then gradually build up to become a fully-fledged primary school."

New academy primaries in deal to trial viking learning material

From the York Press:
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/education/news/10881707.Vikings_set_to_invade_York_primary_schools/

"The Ebor Academy Alliance, which comprises Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy and Haxby Road Primary School, has agreed a deal with The Jorvik Group of attractions... "The partnership means The Jorvik Group can work closely with the schools to trial and develop educational materials.

Academy trust selects two heads for

News and Star (Cumbria):http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/new-head-teachers-appointed-for-carlisle-s-richard-rose-academy-schools-1.1105189



"The charity which is taking over the two schools has named the two new head teachers. Neil Hutchinson will lead Richard Rose Central Academy, while Des Bird has been named as head teacher at Richard Rose Morton Academy. Both will report to the federation’s executive principle Derek Davies. Mr Bird was part of the senior management team at Egremont’s West Lakes Academy..."


"The academies will complete their transition to United Learning, which has been described as a charity with Christian roots, in the New Year. Earlier this month, United Learning bosses admitted that they were braced for a critical Ofsted report following a snap inspection of its Morton site. The Central Academy, placed in special measures in February, has also been revisited by inspectors."

Guardian: failing primaries unlikely to convert

Increasing numbers of primaries failing to meet 'floor standards' probably won't translate into lots more academies: 

Guardian (Education in Brief): http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/dec/17/education-failing-primary-schools-academy-gove:

 "But do these predictions come true? Education Guardian has crunched the numbers for those primaries that missed the floor targets last year and found that fewer than one in five has since converted to sponsored academy status.

"Only 106 of the 535 schools not reaching the floor targets in 2012 feature on the education department's current sponsored academies list, with 43 listed as being in the pipeline to become sponsored academies. In fact, of the 50 schools right at the bottom of last year's league tables, only 10 are either academies already or in line for conversion. Overall, the number of sponsored primary academies has grown by only 291 over the past 12 months, with a further 159 in planning. The total comes well short of the figure of 600."

Cuckoo Hall fails floor targets due to staff split

The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/dec/17/education-failing-primary-schools-academy-gove

One section of Warwick Mansell's Education in Brief focuses on Cuckoo Hall and problems caused by splits in staff.

"Cuckoo Hall, in Enfield, north London, had just 54% of its pupils achieving the expected level in reading, writing and maths, compared with 86% in 2012. It was one of only two Enfield primaries not to reach this year's DfE floor targets.

"In a statement, Cuckoo Hall blames the results on "a small number of staff, who ... opposed the ethos and direction of the Cuckoo Hall Academies Trust Board and left the school by mutual consent at a critical time". The trust has now appointed a new management team, which means that "the actions of a small, critical group of staff cannot derail the ambitions of our school community in this way again," it adds."

Durand academy planning rejected

From TES blog: http://news.tes.co.uk/news_blog/b/weblog/archive/2013/12/16/durand-39-s-boarding-school-plans-blocked-by-national-park.aspx

From The Times Education Supplement:


"Despite public support from education secretary Michael Gove, the Durand Academy’s planning application to create the school in Stedham, West Sussex has been rejected by the South Downs National Park Authority. The authority’s planning committee threw out Durand’s application, arguing that its plans were too large and “inappropriate” for the site."

Academies are worst cases in unfilled spaces in Basildon

The Echo:
 http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/10875976.Thousands_of_unfilled_school_places_revealed/


"The statistics, obtained by the Echo from Essex County Council, reveal a total of 1,881 unfilled places in the ten secondary schools in Basildon, Billericay and Wickford. Latest forecasts predict this could reach 2,014 next year. The two Basildon Academies alone have a total of 1,501 empty desks between them, with the Upper Academy almost halfempty, with 733 pupils in the 1400- place school. At the Lower Academy, 516 of the 1,350 places are vacant. The New Campus Basildon Studio School, which opened in September, has 242 spare places."

Luton academy steps back from academy status

From Luton and Dunstable Express: http://www.luton-dunstable.co.uk/News/Putteridge-High-School-in-Luton-withdraws-from-conversion-into-Barnfield-Federation-academy-20131216103654.htm

Putteridge High School in Luton withdraws from converting into Barnfield Federation academy - Barnfield Federation CEO, Helen Mayhew, said: “We’re naturally very sorry that circumstances have led to the Governors’s decision at Putteridge. “But we respect that decision and, for our part, always put the interests of students and parents before anything else.”

From the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-25409726

"...But the process was halted after complaints about financial management and governance of Barnfield Federation and Barnfield College, which it runs. 'Reputation of school' In October, the Department for Education and the Skills Funding Agency confirmed they were investigating allegations of grade massaging and "operational finances" against Barnfield Federation and Barnfield College but would not comment further...   The Hertfordshire-based Barnfield Federation runs four academies, a free school and a college in Bedfordshire."

Last non-academy in Northampton converts

Northampton Chronicle: http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/education/all-secondary-schools-to-be-academies-in-northamptonshire-1-5748508

"Thomas Becket Catholic School, in Becket Way, Northampton, was the only secondary school in the town which had not converted to academy status.

"But in a letter sent home to parents, it has been announced that the local Catholic dicocese, which runs the school, has applied to become part of the newly-created St Bonaventure Trust as part of an academy chain with three other catholic primary schools in Northampton."

767 primary schools freshly in line for academy status?

The Times: http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/education/article3946881.ece

"Hundreds more primary schools have slipped beneath the minimum level of test results after Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, tightened the threshold. Results published yesterday showed that children at 767 primary schools recorded unacceptably low test scores in May.

"The Department for Education said that it would act against those that failed to improve or whose results were consistently poor, imposing new leadership and governance from academy sponsors with a record of turning around weak schools."


Not likely to happen says Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/dec/17/education-failing-primary-schools-academy-gove:

"But do these predictions come true? Education Guardian has crunched the numbers for those primaries that missed the floor targets last year and found that fewer than one in five has since converted to sponsored academy status. Only 106 of the 535 schools not reaching the floor targets in 2012 feature on the education department's current sponsored academies list, with 43 listed as being in the pipeline to become sponsored academies. In fact, of the 50 schools right at the bottom of last year's league tables, only 10 are either academies already or in line for conversion. Overall, the number of sponsored primary academies has grown by only 291 over the past 12 months, with a further 159 in planning. The total comes well short of the figure of 600."

Site delay for Bristol free school

Bristol Post: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/dealSteiner-free-school-building/story-20311987-detail/story.html



"With the January 15 deadline looming, parents hoping to send their children to the new Steiner Academy Bristol are being urged to apply without knowing its location.

"Despite the delay in naming a site for the school – the third free school to open in Bristol – Mr Evans said it was already "significantly" oversubscribed.

"It will be the fourth state-funded Steiner school in the UK, following the success of others in Hereford, Frome and Exeter.


Brixton Blog: EFA buys Lambeth College land for free school

From Brixton Blog: http://www.brixtonblog.com/new-educational-campus-include-free-school/19036

"The DfE has bought the Brixton campus of Lambeth College and will develop the site to include several educational institutions, including the Trinity Academy free school which will open in September 2014. Lambeth College will remain on the site but will lose 4000 sq feet from its facilities.

 "A spokesperson for the DfE said: “The Education Funding Authority has purchased the Brixton campus of Lambeth College, ensuring it will continue to be used to educate children and young people. We will redevelop the site to provide a home for the Trinity Academy free school and other institutions, including on-going provision by Lambeth College.”"

From the South London Press (Jan 2014): http://www.southlondon-today.co.uk/news.cfm?id=262

Wednesday 18 December 2013

Harris academies and Westminster public school target poor pupils

The Express: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/447389/Harris-Westminster-Sixth-Form-to-aid-brightest-poor-students


"...a partnership between Westminster public school and the Harris Federation of London academies, will apply the Government’s Free School rules which allows screening by academic ability for post-16 education...

"Harris Westminster Sixth Form Academy, which opens next September, will take 250 of the most gifted pupils in the capital, aiming to get them into Oxford, Cambridge and other top universities. It will use the top public school’s curriculum and coaching programme for university entry. Disadvantaged children on free school meals or attracting the pupil premium will be given priority for places. Hopefuls will sit an entrance test, have an interview – and be predicted to achieve A and A* GCSE grades, with six As as a minimum."

Monday 16 December 2013

Sponsors announced for Bristol primaries

From the Bristol Post: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Sponsors-lined-run-new-primary-schools/story-20317714-detail/story.html

"AN Irish education charity making its first foray into the UK is among the sponsors lined up to run three new Bristol primary schools. Educate Together Academy Trust will lead an academy in Avonvale Road, Redfield, due to open its doors to pupils next September.
The others are The Colston's Girls' School Trust (CGST) and Oasis Community Learning will expand its stable of Bristol schools to seven."

FOI: pupils in London NW6 go to 48 different secondary schools

From the Ham and High:
http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/west_hampstead_free_school_campaigners_reveal_nw6_pupils_go_to_48_different_secondary_schools_1_3103221


"...statistics, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the NW6 (free) School campaign group, show that since 2010 children living in the wards of West Hampstead, Fortune Green and Kilburn enrolled in Year 7 at 48 different state secondary schools in Camden and other boroughs..."

Kent Grammar school 'expansion' bids rejected

Kent on Line: http://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway_messenger/news/no-new-grammar-places-for-10207/

"In a statement, the Department for Education said: "The Education Funding Agency has today written to Weald of Kent Academy Trust and Valley Invicta Academy Trust with a decision on their proposals for grammar school provision in Sevenoaks, Kent. "The assessment is that the proposals do not represent an expansion of the existing schools and therefore cannot be approved." In a letter to the Invicta Trust outlining the reasons for its decision, the EFA says: "We have not received any evidence that demonstrates Sevenoaks children currently travel to Invicta Grammar School. We would expect expansions to respond to demand from their existing community.""

(Two grammar schools had been bidding to open a new academy run according to grammar school rules - to do so had to outflank laws preventing the opening of new selective schools: http://newschoolsnetwork.org/sites/default/files/files/pdf/Differences%20across%20school%20types.pdf)

Discovery Free School to close

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-25369094 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/free-school-close-michael-gove-2924512

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/dec/13/government-shuts-free-school-discovery-west-sussex


"Lord Nash said in a letter to the school's governors. "I have no confidence that the academy trust plans will enable it to recruit and retain the high-quality permanent staff and senior leadership that it needs in order to improve at a rapid pace,""

 The Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2523260/Flagship-free-school-close-ALL-teachers-accused-giving-bad-lessons.html


"One of the Government’s first flagship free schools was axed yesterday after inspectors condemned its poor teaching standards. The Discovery New School in Crawley, West Sussex, was among the first free schools to open under the Coalition in 2011."

Pre-warning letter response from 360 Academies

The Chronicle: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/local-news/gove-warns-academies-improve-face-6405391


"Sir Ken Gibson, who became Executive Head Teacher of Academy 360 in September least year, said: "We are addressing the concerns raised by the DfE. There have been massive improvements over the last 12 months. The primary results were fabulous and the secondary improvements are a work in progress."


"A letter was sent to the Governors of Red House Academy in Sunderland in January 2012. It has only now been published by the Department for Education. The letter highlighted poor GCSE results in 2011 and again warned that Mr Gove had the power to step in."

Public concern casts doubt onTurkish sponsor

Banbury Guardian: http://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/news/local-news/academy-plan-dropped-after-turkey-outcry-1-5748042

"Governors of the Warriner, Hornton and Sibford schools have withdrawn from a plan to become an academy following bad publicity about its 
proposed Turkish sponsor...

"Warriner head Dr Annabel Kay resigned as a BAU Foundation director last week along with its chair, Lord Bishard...

"The academy plan was headed by Turkish private education provider Enver Hocel, (Enver Yucel) whose practices were questioned in a long and bitter blog by Fiona Millar at www.schoolsnetwork.co.uk/2013/12

 Dr Kay said: “We thought Mentora had been vetted and approved by the Department for Education..." 

Friday 13 December 2013

London free school accused of lobbying against existing primary

Get West London: http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/threatened-primary-accuses-free-school-6394185


"A threatened primary school has accused a free school of lobbying to take over its site before the council has made a decision on whether to close it. Sulivan Primary School has been fighting plans by Hammersmith and Fulham Council to merge it with nearby New King’s in Fulham....

"The council said from the outset that although a vacant Sulivan site could be used by Fulham Boys, the consultation was solely about tackling low admissions at Sulivan and New King’s."

Carillion becomes a sponsor

From Construction News: http://www.cnplus.co.uk/news/sectors/education/carillion-to-sponsor-two-new-primary-academies/8656654.article

"Carillion Academies Trust will sponsor two new schools under the Targeted Basic Need Programme to create pupil places where they are most needed...

"Carillion Academies Trust will sponsor two new primary schools in Tameside – one in Ashton-under-Lyne and one in Hattersley. It is the first time Carillion has partnered with the DfE to sponsor academies through its charitable trust. Established DfE partner BT will sponsor a new academy in Manchester; however, the majority of academy sponsors are existing schools and educational charitable trusts."

22 Bradford primaries could be forced into academies status

Telegraph and Argus:
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/10872263.Government_warning_for_22__weak__Bradford_primary_schools/

"Twenty two Bradford primary schools have been warned that they could be forced to become academies after they under performed in this year's tests for ten and 11-year-olds. Figures released today show that Bradford is the local authority with the third highest percentage of primary schools that the Government feels fall “below the floor”."

More detail from BBC for national picture: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-25332808


Thursday 12 December 2013

Consultants hired and action outlined to avert free school closure

From the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25323625


"A free school that was threatened with closure by the government has revealed it is bringing in consultants to help tackle its failings. The Discovery New School in Crawley, which has already replaced its head, has also appointed new governors since being reinspected by Ofsted. The measures are outlined in an improvement plan sent to the Department of Education."

What did the NAO find in its free school research?

The report: http://www.nao.org.uk/report/establishing-free-schools/


The Daily Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/10509901/Free-school-boost-for-areas-in-need.html

"A study by the National Audit Office (NAO) says that 87 per cent of places created up to September this year were in regions that were sorely lacking."

The TES: http://news.tes.co.uk/news_blog/b/weblog/archive/2013/12/10/a-quarter-of-free-schools-open-in-areas-with-no-need-for-extra-places-report-finds.aspx


"A quarter of all free schools have opened in areas where there is no need for additional school places, costing the taxpayer £241m, the government’s spending watchdog has found."


The Yorkshire Post: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/education/watchdog-criticises-pace-of-free-school-creation-1-6307898

"The National Audit Office (NAO) said today that the Department for Education (DfE) had focused on opening free schools at pace rather than “maximising value for money”."

The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/dec/11/free-schools-costs-double-nao-report-michael-gove


"The cost of establishing a free school has doubled to £6.6m because the Department for Education has failed to exert control over expenditure, the government's independent auditors have found."

Two 'inadequate' Northampton primaries taken over by EMLC

From the Northampton Chronicle: http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/local/two-northampton-primary-schools-to-become-academies-in-january-1-5742419




The EMLC Academy Trust, based in Olney, has announced it will act as an academy sponsor of Castle and Hardingstone Primary schools from January 1. Both primary schools were rated “inadequate” by Ofsted and placed in special measures following inspections early this year. The trust said it will rename Castle Primary School as Castle Academy and acting headteacher Lorna Beard has been appointed as the full-time headteacher.

More Cornish primaries form multi-academy

From This is the West Country:
http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/cornwall_news/10869413.Five_Lizard_primary_schools_to_become_a__multi_academy_/



St Keverne, Coverack, Manaccan, Grade Ruan and St Martin primary schools are to form the Keskowethyans Multi Academy Trust. They already form a schools partnership that sees them share one headteacher, Tom Harman.

TES: education select committee to look at academies and free schools

From the TES: http://news.tes.co.uk/news_blog/b/weblog/archive/2013/12/09/mps-launch-inquiry-into-academies-and-free-schools-after-spate-of-controversies.aspx


"The Commons education select committee will examine whether state-funded independent schools are being held properly to account and if they are narrowing the attainment gap for disadvantaged children. It will also look at whether academy status is appropriate for primary schools."

CCTV in academy toilets and changing rooms?

http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/11/25/spy-cameras-in-hassenbrook-academy-hailed-a-success/

"Last year, Big Brother Watch released the results of a Freedom of Information request. It revealed that Hassenbrook Academy was one of over 200 schools in the country that had cameras either in toilets and/or changing rooms."

Update and reaction: http://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/10861968.Backlash_after_schools_installs_CCTV_in_pupils_toilets/ 

"Pupils and parents are said to be up in arms over Neil Houchen’s decision to put the cameras in boys’ and girls’ toilets at the Eastwood Academy."

And many more:
 https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/cctv_in_bathrooms_and_changing_r


Another free school head in premature departure

From the TES: http://news.tes.co.uk/news_blog/b/weblog/archive/2013/12/06/greenwich-free-school-becomes-latest-to-lose-its-head.aspx


"The head of the Greenwich Free School in south London is stepping down from his position after just over a year at the helm. Lee Faith (pictured), who has been in charge at the school since it opened in September 2012, is quitting his post, making him the latest in a long line of headteachers to leave their jobs at free schools after less than two years."

Wednesday 11 December 2013

Ditched free school in Chorley cost £200k

From This is Lancashire/ Chorley Citizen: http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/10853309.Free_school_bid_in_Chorley____waste_of_cash___/


"Plans to open Chorley Career and Sixth Form Academy were abandoned just three months before it was due to open last year. Documents obtained by the Chorley Citizen under the Freedom of Information Act show the Department for Education spent £211,821.43 on the project."

Gems CEO Peter Birkett resigns over finance probe into Barnfield College

From the TES bloghttp://news.tes.co.uk/news_blog/b/weblog/archive/2013/12/04/ex-barnfield-head-resigns-from-new-job-due-to-dfe-investigation.aspx

"Sir Peter Birkett... has resigned as chief executive at the Gems international private schools’ chain after just three months because of a government-led probe into the finances of Luton-based Barnfield College, which he previously led. It is understood that Sir Peter was interviewed within the last two weeks by the Skills Funding Agency, which is looking into the financial performance of the FE college during his time as chief executive."

Battle over academy status and DFE sponsor choice

From this is Lancashire/Lancashire Telegraph:
http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/10850888.Darwen_school_faces_forced_academy_status/


"Darwen Vale High is the first secondary school in East Lancashire to be told it has to make the move.
The decision by the Government comes after it received the worst possible rating from inspectors in August....
Angry governers, who have also vowed to continue to fight the decision, last night refused a suggestion from the Department for Education that it become the latest Aldridge Foundation sponsored school. The Lancashire Telegraph understands the governors favour Blackburn Diocese as the school sponsor."

Headteacher: Fiona Jack

UPDATE: Another Darwen academy story - Burnley Academy to join forces with Darwen Aldridge Community Academy: http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/10860568.Darwen_academy_in_link_to_new_free_school/

New head for Leeds academy: £113k - £130k

From Yorkshire Evening Post: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/leeds-school-begins-search-for-new-130-000-a-year-principal-1-6290463

"One of the biggest schools in Leeds has launched a search for a new principal – and the person who lands the job will be rewarded with a salary of up to £130,000. Garforth Academy’s current principal, Paul West, is stepping down at the end of this term after less than three years in the post."

St Austell schools form multi-academy trust

From the Plymouth Herald: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/New-academies-united-form-trust/story-20249293-detail/story.html


"A CHURCH primary school in St Austell has joined forces with four others to convert to a multi-academy trust. Bishop Bronescombe School will unite with Grampound with Creed, Grampound Road, Ladock and Veryan schools, with the support of the Diocese of Truro. David Rushton, head of Bishop Bronescombe School, will become executive principal of the St Piran's Cross Church of England Multi-Academy Trust."

Monday 9 December 2013

Complex senior staff reshuffles in Lord Nash primaries

http://www.westendextra.com/news/2013/dec/who%E2%80%99s-charge-our-school-now-parents-concern-after-latest-shake-academy-chain-run-schoo



Westend Extra: "Diane George, who had been in charge of Millbank Academy in Erasmus Street, Pimlico, is moving to nearby Churchill Gardens primary school. Both schools are part of the Future Academies chain, which also runs Pimlico Primary and Pimlico Academy in Lupus Street. Ms George had been the “acting head” of Millbank since Alyson Russen became the “executive head” of all three primary schools following the shock departure of Analiese Briggs from the helm of Pimlico Primary in October. Deputy head Kelly Teddy was then moved from Millbank to Pimlico Primary to fill the gap left by Ms Briggs."

Stoke primary governors resign over academy status

From The Stoke Sentinel: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Norton-Primary-School-governors-resign-academy/story-20247670-detail/story.html


"GOVERNORS at a failing primary school have resigned in protest at moves to turn it into an academy. Norton Primary School was put in special measures in June and is now set to become an academy sponsored by the top-rated Newstead Primary School."

The Meller Educational Trust is lead proposer of new primary academy

Watford Observer: http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/10846004.Bushey_Academy_unveils_plan_to_build_primary_school/

"Bushey Academy is planning to build a new primary school with 60 places for September 2015, in response to the shortage of primary places in south west Hertfordshire.
"The lead proposer for The Bushey Primary Academy is David Meller - the chair of The Meller Educational Trust, which supports The Bushey Academy, Watford UTC, Hertswood Academy and Elstree UTC."

York's first primary academies

From the York Press:
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/education/news/10848364.Two_York_schools_set_to_become_city___s_first_primary_academies/

"Robert Wilkinson Primary School in Strensall has opted out of local authority control from today and Haxby Road Primary School – which is sponsored by Robert Wilkinson as part of the Ebor Academy Alliance – will become independent on February 1. The change means that both schools will be funded directly by the Government – joining city secondaries Manor CE and Archbishop Holgate’s CE, which both became academies in 2011." Executive headteacher Richard Ludlow.

Oxfordshire schools set for Turkey-linked commercial sponsor

Banbury Guardian: http://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/news/local-news/school-s-academy-bid-has-turkish-support-1-5715237


"Parents are being informed of a plan to make The Warriner School and two primaries an academy, sponsored by a Turkish-backed organisation... The organisations involved, BAU Foundation and Mentora Academies Trust, are new and were only accepted and registered with the Department for Education (DfE) in August."

Local Schools Network explains complex web of underlying companies and people: http://www.localschoolsnetwork.org.uk/2013/12/how-did-a-private-turkish-university-and-the-carlyle-group-a-global-asset-management-company-end-up-in-the-mix-to-run-three-rural-schools-in-oxfordshire/

"Also on the Bau Foundation Board is Enver Yucel, a Turkish education entrepreneur who is currently the chair of the Bahcesehir Ugur Educational Institutions – a profit making Turkish education provider company, 48 % of which is owned by the global asset management company, the Carlyle Group."


Essex school with 40% surplus places seeks academy status

http://www.theenquirer.co.uk/read.aspx?id=13472

Essex school with 793 pupils to close due to 40% surplus places - unless academy status granted.


From Essex Enquirer:
"The future of the school now depends on two options- become an Academy or appeal to the independent schools adjudicator whose decision is final. Following the Cabinet meeting assistant headteacher of The Deanes School Desi McKeown told the Enquirer: “We’re absolutely not surprised whatsoever. They did not do a thorough investigation.” Last week, representatives from the Government’s academy department visited the school to decide if it can become an academy. A decision is expected shortly. Mr McKeown added he felt the academy meeting went well."

Council wins legal battle to take over Leicester primary school

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-25162289

From BBC: "High Court judge Mrs Justice Thirlwall ruled the authority acted lawfully when it suspended the head teacher and took over the running of Uplands School. She also expressed her dismay at the £80,000 legal bill between the parties."

Six Nottingham schools face special measures after ofsted blitz

From the Nottingham Post: http://www.nottinghampost.com/City-schools-braced-receive-results-Ofsted/story-20239065-detail/story.html


"Eight Nottingham schools and academies were inspected in the week beginning November 11. The reports are yet to be published, but it is believed six – Djanogly City Academy, Bulwell Academy, Nottingham University Samworth Academy, Big Wood School, Hadden Park High School and Farnborough School – get the worst-possible rating of "inadequate"."

Forced academy: Lancashire primary

From this is Lancashire:

http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/10845340.Parents_protest_over_plans_to_force_Elton_Primary_School_to_become_academy/




The move comes after the school was placed in special measures by Ofsted inspectors in May. Both Bury Council and Elton headteacher Tony Emmott have objected to the academy move.

House building plans not fault of free school trust

From Gazette Live (Stockton): http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/its-absolute-madness-new-plans-6353051

"The number of new homes which could be built on land next to the new Ingleby Barwick Free school has soared to nearly 1,600. A new application has been submitted to Stockton Council seeking opinion for a development of up to 675 homes for the site at Low Lane, High Leven. It comes just weeks after plans were revealed for 550 houses, on top of the 350 already approved by the Secretary of State to be built alongside the 600-place Ingleby Manor Free school and 150-place sixth form. Local politicians have branded the proposed level of housing as “excessive” and “absolute madness”. But Ingleby Manor Foundation Trust said the free school could not be blamed for the potential explosion of housing."

Cobham Free School and CALA Homes reveal green belt plans

From GetSurrey: http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/local-news/new-school-hundreds-homes-planned-6352600



"Cobham Free School (CFS) and CALA Homes have teamed up for the proposed development at Chippings Farm on land surrounding Elvedon Road.
" The proposals were showcased at the Gospel Hall in Anyard’s Road, after 5,000 letters were distributed by the group inviting residents to have their say.
"Under the plans, CFS’s secondary department would open on the new site in 2015, with a selective Sixth Form from 2019 and reaching full capacity in 2020."

Suffolk: all three free schools set up in areas with surplus places

http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/suffolk_all_2012_free_schools_set_up_in_areas_of_surplus_places_1_3056254

From EADT: "A Suffolk headteacher has warned that pupils will suffer as reports show that all three free schools founded in the county last year were in areas of surplus places."

Free school debate in Rutland

http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/local/free-school-just-not-needed-says-rutland-county-college-principal-1-5716291


From the Stamford Mercury: "Rutland County College principal Vicky Crosher and headteacher Carl Smith say their Barleythorpe facility has 300 pupils and 150 leave after taking their A-levels every summer. "They say the college can take 470 pupils in total. Therefore it can take 320 of the 400 pupils who leave the county’s secondary schools every summer meaning there is no need for another sixthform."

DfE applies for Sikh academy to be given permanent home in village

From Bucks Free Press:  http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/10841169.Controversial_Free_School_launches_bid_to_stay_permanently/



"The Department for Education has applied to South Bucks District Council for Khalsa Secondary Academy to use Pioneer House in Stoke Poges permanently. New government powers were used earlier this year to temporarily install the Sikh school in the former office building on Hollybush Hill."

CBI: businesses must give staff time to be academy governors

From FreshBusinessThinking.com: http://www.freshbusinessthinking.com/news.php?NID=20891&Title=High+performance+education#.UqW0BWRg5e4

CBI report: http://www.cbi.org.uk/media-centre/press-releases/2013/11/give-employees-time-off-for-governor-duties-at-academies-and-free-schools/


Neil Carberry, CBI director for employment and skills policy, said: “Handing control over education to schools themselves is the right move. But it can only work if the quality of governing bodies is high and Ofsted holds them to account. We need strong leadership and even stronger governance.

“We must put the right foundations in place to make the most of greater freedom for schools, defaulting to the old ways of doing things is not the answer. And returning to Local Authority control would be a retrograde step.

“It’s such a fundamentally important issue that business is happy to extend the obligation for firms to release staff for governor duties to be widened to academies and free schools.

“We need greater partnership between the Government and businesses to deliver the right structures to lift performance across all our schools — and help every child fulfil their potential.”

Free school debate in West Bridgford Nottinghamshire

http://westbridgfordwire.com/2013/11/27/rushcliffe-school-head-teacher-says-free-school-is-unnecessary/

West Bridgford Wire: "Phil Crompton, Head of Rushcliffe School says on the school website: It is frankly infuriating to see another school still wishing to open a Free School in the Rushcliffe catchment area."



London academy to build primary school on site

http://www.barnet-today.co.uk/news.cfm?id=40666&headline=Academy%20hopes%20to%20build%20new%20primary%20on%20its%20site


From Barnet Today: "Ashmole Academy, in Cecil Road, Southgate, has announced that it is considering creating a new primary school on its site. As local authorities have been barred by the government from building new schools, the proposed primary will be set up and run outside local authority control by the academy itself."


Wiltshire primaries form trust

http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/10839190.West_Swindon_schools_join_forces_as_council_cuts_bite/


From This is Wiltshire: "FOUR West Swindon primary schools have banded together as an academy trust this month amid growing concerns about council funding."

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Oxford is one of 17 counties targeted for more academies

http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/news/10831339.Government_targets_Oxfordshire_for_more_sponsored_academies/

The Oxford Times said: "In a document leaked to the Oxford Mail, the county is one of 17 named as an area of shortage for academies in the country. The Department for Education (DfE) said it reached the decision after assessing the number of “underperforming” schools in the county. Schools are usually sponsored when they are not doing well, in a bid to turn them around."

Gove delaying kent grammar school decision for legal reasons

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2512932/New-super-grammar-break-law-Gove-told-Expansion-stopped-breach-rules-mean-new-grammars-built.html

The Daily Mail said: "If Mr Gove eventually approves the plans it is likely to open the floodgates for similar applications by other local authorities. He will also face accusations from Labour that he is expanding the selective system by the back door and condemning children who fail the 11-plus exam to a second-rate education."

Lancashire academy in special measures

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-25095256

The BBC reports: "Preston's Fulwood Academy, which opened in 2009, was inspected in October. The achievement of pupils, quality of teaching and leadership and management at the school have all been deemed inadequate in the report by Ofsted."

It added: "In a joint statement principal Richard Smyth and sponsor Sir Charles Dunstone said: "As a school we place the greatest emphasis on discipline, attendance and personal development.""

Durand Academy boarding school gets £17m

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/michael-gove-hands-school-17m-8959740.html

The Independent reports a "decision to hand the Durand Education Trust £17 million “no questions asked” to set up the new boarding school in the village of Stedham, West Sussex, which will take in secondary school age pupils from Stockwell in south London." The paper says the decision has been questioned by Roy Page, chairman of the State Boarding Schools Association and headmaster of the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe, who "will attack ministers for a “lack of vision” as to how they can support existing state boarding schools while handing out millions to “an organisation and headmaster with no experience in boarding”".

Monday 2 December 2013

School seeks unqualified maths teachers with 4 GCSEs

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/failing-leeds-school-advertises-for-unqualified-maths-teachers-1-6261730


The Yorkshire Evening Post reports: "A FAILING school in Leeds is advertising for two “unqualified” maths teachers with a minimum of just four GCSEs.
The South Leeds Academy stipulates the right applicant must have a maths GCSE as one of the four, “in order to ensure the highest possible standards of student achievement.”

The School Partnership Trust Academies: SPTA

Crawley free school faces closure

http://www.thisissussex.co.uk/Crawley-s-Discovery-New-School-risks-closure/story-20117857-detail/story.html#axzz2mL0CmHAb


This is Sussex reports: CRAWLEY's first free school has been given 10 days to outline how it is going to improve or risk having its funding withdrawn and face closure. Discovery New School has been given the stark warning after another Ofsted report found the school is not making enough progress to be taken out of special measures.

UPDATE: Sunday Times: http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Education/article1347216.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2013_11_30

Reducing the gap between heads and finance directors - video

https://registration.livegroup.co.uk/educationfundingagency/Downloads/Embed.aspx?dfid=7039 Gareth Dawkins:

  •  Academies should not be ashamed of having business acumen. 
  •  Finance directors will be involved in things like designing multi-professional teams.
  • I'm amazed how many academy principles I've spoken to who have never read the rules
  • and more 


DFE calls on academies to provide accurate pension data

http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/executiveagencies/efa/h00229652/issue-40/accounts-pension

The DFE said:The accuracy of pension information was a particular issue in the completion of last year’s academies accounts return.


Hackney 'superhead' resigns as investigation continues

From the Hackney Gazette:
 http://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/news/shock_resignation_of_so_called_superhead_greg_wallace_1_3021890


"Teaching unions have warned Hackney Council not to sweep their investigative report on the so-called superhead Greg Wallace under the carpet, following his shock resignation yesterday.

Mr Wallace – once described as one of education secretary’s Michael Gove’s “magnificent seven - was suspended from his post in July while the council investigates allegations over the awarding of lucrative computer contracts to C2 Technology, which is reportedly owned by his boyfriend Tony Zangoura.

Free school campaign takes on property developer

http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/free-school-campaign-groups-david-6326267

From Getreading: 

"West Reading Education Network is hoping to use the former Elvian School site for a free school, but Taylor Wimpey has appealed Reading Borough Council's decision to refuse a plan for 187 homes on the site."

New school regulators?

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/20/michael-gove-regulators-free-schools


The Guardian reports seeing documents showing DFE plans for new school regulators called chancellors to be appointed by Michael Gove.
"According to internal Department for Education (DfE) documents seen by the Guardian, the plan will see England split into eight geographical regions separate from local councils, with the free schools and academies in each region supervised by a new body to known as a Headteacher Board (HTB) and headed by a chancellor"

It said: "The new system echoes the model used for schools governance in the US, although the appointments are made locally."

Doncaster academy placed in special measures

From the Star:
 http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/council/education/doncaster-academy-placed-in-special-measures-1-6255692

Danum Academy dropped two stages in the official Ofsted rating, from ‘good’ to an ‘inadequate’ classification.
The 1,611 pupil secondary school became an academy in October 2011, and is supported by the Centre for British Teachers.
New headteacher Rebecca Staples took up her role at the start of the autumn term.

FOI victory: DFE forced to publish free school applications

From Laura McInerney's blog: http://lauramcinerney.com/2013/11/19/i-won-dfe-must-release-free-school-application-forms/


She said: "The ICO recognised the DfE’s concerns but countered that some were poorly evidenced or did not constitute a genuine problem. For example, the DfE claimed that applicants might face demanding challenges from the public. As the ICO notes, people applying to run public services ought to expect demanding scrutiny." And more...

Hindu schools trust looks to open secondary free school

From the Leicester Mercury:

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Plans-secondary-school-follow-Hindu-primary/story-20103257-detail/story.html


Avanti Schools Trust has confirmed it will be applying to the Department for Education to open the free school in September 2015 – four years after opening Krishna Avanti Primary, in Evington.

Bristol school forced to become an academy

Bristol post: http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/performing-school-told-academy/story-20097749-detail/story.html


"A SECONDARY school in Brislington (Brislington Enterprise College (BEC)) judged to be failing by Ofsted has been told it must become an academy.
"The Department for Education will draw up a shortlist of potential sponsors, based on crit- eria set out by the school's governing body.
"It is understood the school's preference would to be to become a school sponsored by the Schools Co-operative Society - http://www.co-operativeschools.coop/ - "

Three interviewed under caution re Kings Science Academy

From the Guardian:

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/nov/17/kings-science-academy-three-men-interviewed-suspected-fraud

"Three men have been interviewed under caution by police in relation to suspected fraud at a free school, the Kings Science Academy, in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

"West Yorkshire police said those interviewed included senior managers at the Department for Education (DfE), the Kings Free Schools and Academies Trust (Kifsa), accounting watchdog the Education Funding Agency (EFA), and the academy."

Head leaves IES Breckland (Brandon) COO of IES takes over

From Bury Free Press:
http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/news/local/latest-news/principal-of-brandon-free-school-leaves-post-1-5689208


"The principal of Brandon free school IES Breckland has left her post to in order to support her family in Surrey. Sherry Zand, who has served as principal since the school opened in 2012, announced her decision to leave the post this weekend.

Peter John Fyles has been appointed as interim principal. Mr Fyles has worked in education for 25 years as both a teacher and principal in Sweden and the UK. He is the chief operating officer of IES in Sweden as well as the chairman of IES in the UK and has been involved in establishing IES Breckland since its conception.



From Norfolk Eastern Daily Press:
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/education/ies_breckland_free_school_principal_leaves_1_3012172

Mr Fyles said Ms Zand had decided to step down at a meeting with the IES board and CEO, Barbara Bergström. “We discussed the development of IES and as always the guiding policy was what is best for the students... After a long discussion and attempts to decide what was best for IES Breckland, she took the decision to step down."

Ms Zand’s departure comes just weeks after six members of staff were released on October 23. Staff released included the head of maths and a member of the senior leadership team, who was also head of the English department.

Strike as last Brent state school converts to academy status

From GetWestLondon:
http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/west-london-news/teachers-strike-over-plans-make-6314619

Teacher strike over conversion of last of Brent's state school's to academy status.


"A public meeting is being held next week about the future of the last state school in the London Borough of Brent which looks set to become an academy. Staff from three unions voted unanimously last week to strike against plans to turn Copland Community School in Cecil Avenue, Wembley, into an Ark Academy."

Sponsor steps aside for diocese academies trust

From Norwich Evening News: http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/millionaire_philanthropist_graham_dacre_quits_as_sponsor_of_norfolk_s_first_academy_the_open_academy_in_norwich_1_3010674

"Graham Dacre pioneered the academy movement in the county (Norfolk) when he helped found the Open Academy in Salhouse Road, Norwich, which opened in September 2008, replacing Heartsease High School....

In a letter, chair of governors Fred Corbett said the businessman, who was made a CBE this year, had decided to step down so the school could join the recently-formed Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust."

Profit for free schools? Conservative view

http://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2013/11/the-case-for-free-school-co-operatives-is-set-out-by-stevebakermp.html 

From Conservative Home:

"Michael Gove isn’t keen on state schools being allowed to make a profit, but Ryan Shorthouse of Bright Blue has previously championed the idea – and, now, so has Steve Baker, my excellent successor as Conservative MP in Wycombe, though in a particular form. He has told the Daily Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/10456218/Parents-could-run-State-schools-for-profit-under-Tory-plan.html) that he would like to see groups of parents being able to run free schools as co-operatives. “I am greatly attracted by the idea of parents forming co-operatives and controlling free schools and budgets,” he said. “Why shouldn’t parents form cooperatives to run schools, make a profit then pay out some of that money in dividends and invest the rest in the school?”