Academy head who 'added a year' to pupil learning time gives evidence in parliament

From They Work For You: heads give evidence re Deregulation Bill:

Andy Grace (head of Boulevard Academy in Hull - a free school): The total amount of time that we have is more than 300 hours in an academic year, in addition to what we would normally expect. That is the equivalent of six additional teaching weeks. Over the five years that a youngster is at the academy, that is almost an extra school year of teaching and learning time.

Heads should train to be Ofsted inspectors

From York Press:


According to John Tomsett: “A clear message from Sir Michael and Mr Cladingbowl was for head teachers to train as Ofsted inspectors so that all inspections have a serving senior leader on the team, and even consider becoming one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors."

Another interesting Ofsted-related story came from Laura McInerney: What do you notice about this free school monitoring form?

Head retires less than a year after conversion

From the Hexham Courant

Head of Haltwhistle Community Campus (a multi-academy trust since Sept 2013), Mike Routledge, will retire in the summer after a successful 13 years at the helm.

Griffin Trust's missing head remains a mystery despite Mr Gove's promises

From the Worcester News


The paper said Mr Gove: 'admitted his shock over the situation at Perry Wood... When asked if he could get answers he replied: “Yes, absolutely we will. I didn’t know this had been going on at all and I am very grateful to you for bringing it to my attention...

£50m Suffolk academy submits planning application

From EADT:

A formal planning application for the Suffolk New Academy in Ipswich has been made to the borough council for the new school building. It is being built on the existing site – formally the Chantry High School – and principal Andrew Fell said it would be a major challenge to ensure the Academy could continue to operate while the work is under way.

E-ACT's Tottenham free school could be handed to new sponsor

From the Tottenham Journal:

Hartsbrook E-ACT Free School may be handed to another academy chain sponsor by its owners under orders of the Department for Education, less than 18 months after opening.

Special measures school considers academy status

(UPDATE APRIL 29 2014 Basildon Recorder: Woodlands School, Basildon... now considering 'teaming up with the Appleton School... which would sponsor them... Appleton headteacher is Karen Kerridge who is executive headteacher at Woodlands'  - Appleton is a Business and Enterprise Colleges, its main sponsor is the Arcadia Group.)

Brentwood County High School (Where Karen was brought in as temporary head in 2012 is consulting on converting - )

From the Basildon Recorder:

Former head Andy White left his role at the Woodlands School, Basildon, after Ofsted inspectors criticised it for weak teaching and falling standards in December – and said he had covered up how bad things were.

Academy chain welcomes idea of Ofsted inspections

From the Bristol Post:

The paper said: 'The most dominant groups are national outfits Oasis and E-Act, which together preside over nine schools in the Bristol area, and large regional chain Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), which has a stable of 10 academies.'

E-act stripped of 10 academies

From the Daily Telegraph:


The paper reported: 'E-ACT, a charity that sponsors 34 state-funded schools, is handing control of 10 back to the Government after a series of inspections by Ofsted unearthed weaknesses.

Harris Federation scraps mixed ability classes

From the Daily Telegraph:

The Telegraph said: Daniel Moynihan...'Revealed that mixed-ability teaching had been all but scrapped in Harris academies in favour of a system of setting and streaming because it is “almost impossible” to teach children of differing academic ability in the same lesson...

Harris chief criticises council and opposition to academies

From the Telegraph:

 The paper said: Sir Daniel Moynihan, chief executive of the Harris Federation, said his organisation had encountered “very, very heavy resistance” in its attempts to intervene to raise standards in many areas despite widespread failure.

Academy publishes response to claims it discriminates against non-muslim staff

On the question of discrimination against non-muslim members Park View Academy's response said: 'Park View strictly complies with its recruitment policy which is fully compliant with legal requirements and is observant of fairness and meritocracy in process and practice.

This was a response to a story in the Daily Mail and the Sunday Times

Council demands free school employs qualified teachers

From the Standard:


A London council is demanding that a new free school employs only qualified teachers — despite not having any powers to do so.

Council opposes kent grammar/free school saying it exceeds demand

From Seven Oaks Chronicle:

Sevenoaks District Council is opposing plans to create a new grammar and a free school in the town.

Ex-Cameron adviser follows the data to where free schools are needed

From Get West London:

'We set up the charity seven months ago and started off by looking at studies by the Greater London Assembly into where in the capital was in most need of primary schools...'

Floreat Education... is solely focused on opening up new primary free schools across London, and Brentford (Hounslow) is one of the first places it is hoping to do this. (It has also taken over an academy in Wandsworth/Earlsfield)

Experience of free school leaders questioned again

From West End Extra:

Discussing the governing body of the school, which is run by the Constable Education Trust (CET), the (Ofsted) report said: 'They do not know enough about the core business of the school – the quality of teaching and how well pupils achieve.

Pension changes mean big black hole in academy finances

From Public Finance:

According to accounting firm UHY Hacker Young (who released this benchmarking report today - although I'm not sure if the report mentions this issue - I couldn't see it!) a waiver on paying National Insurance contributions has been cancelled and this could add costs equivalent to three extra members of staff (about £100k) to secondary academies and two (£50k) to primaries.

Merger, MAT or something completely different for Harborough academies

Attempts by two academies to join forces have proven problematic as the Harborough Mail reports:

Tower Hamlets' three free schools backed by accountants, ice cream parlours, musicians and free schools

From the East London Advertiser:

Three academy schools are preparing to open this year in Tower Hamlets:

Experience, understanding and independence

This week the EFA launched a survey on how academies are taking up their new freedoms: 'We’re particularly interested in whether academies are using the freedoms and flexibilities available to them and what difference this has made to schools.

DfE agrees status change could distract from coping with special measures

From the Gloucester Citizen:

'Reverend Pat Gifford, Chair of governors at St James Junior School, told parents: 'The government body, local authority and diocese have collectively sought approval from the Department for Education to defer the academy conversion process for the foreseeable future.

Burnley free school begins site suitability negotiations

From Lancashire Telegraph

'Talks on the suitability of the former Habergham High School, in Byron Street, (as the site for Burnley's first free school) are now expected to lead to weeks of discussions between the Chapel Street School’s Trust, the Department for Education and Lancashire County Council. It is expected to be several weeks before a decision is announced.'

Institute of Education free school bid rejected

From the Camden New Journal:

'They were convinced that the project would be approved because it was sponsored by the prestigious Institute of Education, part of the University of London, and Camden council had brokered a deal to turn workshops and studios at the site into a new school.'

DfE talks with NHS delay free school opening

From the Borehamwood and Elstree Times

'The school (Harperbury Free School) was set to be built on land at the Harperbury Hospital site off Harper Lane in Radlett, but the Department of Education has not yet finished negotiations with the Department of Health, which owns the land.'

Yorkshire Goole Academy placed in special measures

From the Hull Daily Mail:

The Goole High School academy (converter), which broke away from council control in 2011, was previously rated as satisfactory (by Ofsted). It is now the only East Riding school in special measures.

Danuta Tomasz, one of the two executive co-headteachers (David Flowitt), says the academy is not in trouble.

Warning notice for Gloucester Academy

In addition to the high profile warning notice to Nottingham University Samworth Academy the DfE also published details of a warning letter - the stage beyond pre-warning - to Gloucester Academy (pointed out by the Independent)

Nottingham Samworth's pre warning letter

Nottingham University Samworth Academy (NUSA) has received a "pre-warning" letter 
from Schools Minister Lord Nash.

Glendene academy investigated for paying wages of fundraising subsidiary

From the Independent:
UPDATE: Sunderland Echo

Police are investigating allegations of serious financial mismanagement at Glendene Arts Academy... the Education Funding Agency... seeking to recover at least £162,000 claimed to have been misspent... prompted by whistle-blower claims over the use of academy resources to pay the salaries of employees as well as the running costs of a private company (with the agreement of the Chair of Governors, <redacted> <redacted>, and
the Principal of the academy)'

Maintained school governors face same legal duties as academies and free schools

From the Lawyer:

'Three recent announcements from the Department for Education (DfE) show that they are now expecting maintained schools to be run along similar lines...

'At present, there is no requirement for governing bodies of maintained schools to prioritise the skills of a prospective governor, but that is set to change.'

Croydon primary weighs federation vs academy

From the Croydon Advertiser:

Heavers Farm Primary School (head Susan Papas) is 'considering two options which include becoming Selsdon’s official sponsor... Another possibility is to join together but remain under local authority control, like the successful Gipsy Hill Federation in Lambeth and Southwark.

Devon County Council seeks academy or free school for partnership

From the Exeter Express and Echo:

'...2,500 homes are planned in the area and the plan is to build the school in stages as necessary as homes are completed and occupied... it is likely that it will be built and/or operated by an independent academy or free school working in partnership with Devon County Council...'

Coventry academy looks to build a new school

From the Coventry Telegraph:

In May, governors at Finham Park School, a specialist maths and computing college which became an academy in August 2011, will bid to the government for funds to open the new school.

ARK advertises for new Director of Education

From TES/Twitter:

ARK's job advertisement in the TES says: 'This is not a job for the faint hearted: as you know, opening a new school or turning around a failing one is tough.'

Free school founder given civil service post

From the TES:

Tom Shinner, co-founder and vice chair of governors at the Greenwich Free School (alongside Jonathan Simons, head of education at Policy Exchange), has been made director of strategy and performance, as well as continuing as the education secretary’s senior policy adviser.

Watford Council approaches head to set up free school

From the Watford Observer:

Josephine Valentine, headteacher of St Clement Danes, said she was approached by Hertfordshire County Council during the autumn term to be a sponsor for the proposed secondary school, which will look to open in September 2016.

Free school bid raises concerns after failed studio school

From the Lancashire Telegraph

The Red Rose Free School.... has been proposed by a group of local teachers and parents... just months after a ‘pioneering’ studio school was forced to move less than a year after it opened.

Lancashire free school targets empty school site

From the Lancashire Telegraph:


Backers (of Burnley High School - up to 700 pupils, cost £5m) have chosen the former Habergham High School (vacated as part of the £250 million Building Schools for the Future programme) as the preferred site for the ‘Christian ethos’ school.

Croydon asks EFA to help investigate academy chain pupil disappearances

From the Croydon Guardian:

'Croydon Council confirmed it had requested additional data from the Education Funding Agency, the branch of the DfE that monitors some aspects of academies' performance.

Islington votes to give free school half of disputed land

UPDATE: Evening Standard - The middle-class parent’s dream school and a battle for an asbestos-riddled site

From the Islington Tribune:

'A PLAN to divide the old Ashmount School site in two and keep half for housing was formally adopted by the ruling Labour Executive on Thursday, despite a last-minute appeal by some residents to keep the whole site for educational purposes.

Suffolk free school set to open despite surplus places

From Ipswich Star


Ixworth Free School will open its doors in September this year pending a funding agreement with the Department of Education... figures show that nine schools within a 20 mile radius of the site... have a surplus of 374 places... only two have a surplus of pupils.

Multi-academy trust plans floated in West Somerset

From This Is The West Country:

Governors at West Somerset College have voted to push forward plans to create a single body to run schools across the district.

Do legal powers of interim board change if special measures are lifted?

From EDP:

The paper said: 'Opponents to the conversion of Cavell Primary School say the interim executive board (IEB) – which replaced the board of governors last year – does not have the power to request the conversion, and have threatened legal action should the bid go ahead.

DfE withholds conversion funding ahead of Ofsted inspection?

From the Express and Star:


The paper said: 'It is believed part of the reason for the funding agreement not being signed was because of an impending Ofsted inspection.'

Funding before academy status?

From The Journal:

Northumberland Prudhoe School wins DfE funding.

The Journal said: 'governors revealed they were considering seeking academy status – something which would take the school out of local authority control and sparked questions over whether the county council would stick to its funding pledge.'

Governors sought with finance, HR, legal experience

From Get Surrey:

West Byfleet Free School trustee Heidi Thomas said: 'We are looking for potential governors, especially those who have experience in finance, HR, legal and education, to help with specific areas of setting up this school.'

Warrington Council loses planning dispute with free school

From the Warrington Guardian

The paper said:

'Warrington Borough Council turned down the planning application in July last year, despite recommendations from planning officers to approve it...

'Outstanding' 105-pupil primary takes 'lone-converter' route

From the Westmorland Gazette:


Penny Bridge is considered a ‘lone convertor’ - meaning it has no ties to other local primary or secondary schools.

Hereford Academy placed in special measures

From the Hereford Times:

'THE Hereford Academy has been placed in special measures as pupils continue to struggle with English and Maths...

Croydon council investigates academy chain pre-exam pupil 'disappearance'

From the Croydon Advertiser:


'THE council has asked “one or two” academy chains to explain why some pupils at its schools in Croydon ‘disappear’ before their exam year.'

Academy's deficit means £850k savings

From Cambridge News:

'Ernulf Academy in St Neots has been hit by changes in the way the Government pays for education and a fall in pupil numbers.

Woodard Academies Trust appoints new head at troubled Kings Priory

From Chronicle Live: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/local-news/troubled-academy-appoints-leader-6699593

The paper said: 'Under Mr (David) Dawes’ leadership, teachers threatened strike action over their working conditions and there were said to have been frequent clashes with parents over his religious focus and the school’s lack of special needs provision.

Cumbria warned by Ofsted: there are too few good secondary schools

Ofsted's letter to the Chief Executive of Cumbria County Council said: 'There are too few good secondary schools in Cumbria and things are not improving.

'There is little evidence of an effective shared strategy improving the quality of education across the county. In my view, there is an urgent need for the Local Authority to provide greater challenge and support to its secondary schools and extend partnership working.'

United Learning says pool used by local primaries is not financially viable

From the News and Star: http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/closure-of-carlisle-school-s-pool-could-sink-pupils-lessons-1.1116216

...The academy spokesman added: “While the pool is currently popular, the decline in pupil numbers in the area means that the per user price will quickly become untenable.”...

Ormiston steps in

From the Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News: http://www.runcornandwidnesweeklynews.co.uk/news/runcorn-widnes-news/bankfield-school-wants-become-academy-6698887

'The Bankfield was plunged into special measures in January by schools watchdog Ofsted.

MAT secondary seeks local primaries

From the Stoke Sentinel: http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Congleton-High-sets-mini-academy-chain-schools/story-20603486-detail/story.html

'Congleton High (Head:David Hermitt and executive head) has set up the multi-academy trust so it can make it easier for primary schools in the area to convert to academy status...

MP demands Barnfield reports must be transparent

From Gavin Shuker - MP for Luton South: http://gavinshuker.org/2014/02/10/barnfield/


Mr Shuker wrote: 'Neither of these investigations (DfE and Skills Funding Agency) have yet presented their findings in a published report. But I understand that draft reports have already been circulated to people who have an interest in their findings.

Accounting firm says academies are building up cash reserves

From Edexec: http://www.edexec.co.uk/news/2663/academies-are-controlling-costs-and-increasing-income,-but-pension-costs-are-spiralling/

Accountancy firm Bishop Fleming's survey of more than 220 academy schools has revealed that although many academies are performing well, the cost of pensions is increasing.

...'increasing numbers of academies are amassing a cash reserve...'

Theodore Agnew's suitability for Ofsted

From the Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/feb/11/ofsted-begins-inspections-academy-chains

Theodore Agnew: Tory donor; trustee of the rightwing thinktank Policy Exchange; insurance and private equity magnate; DfE non-executive director; chairs the DfE's "academies board", runs his own academy chain – the Norfolk-based Inspiration Trust.

Ofsted targets E-Act

From the Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/feb/11/ofsted-begins-inspections-academy-chains

'Just under half of the 34 academies within the E-Act chain were inspected last week and the week before, with at least one – Hartsbrook E-Act free school in Haringey, north London – understood to have been rated inadequate.'

80 primary school applications for academy status have been declined by the DfE

From They Work for You: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2014-02-10a.552.8&s=academies#g553.1

In an exchange between Andy Slaughter and Michael Gove it was revealed that 80 primary school applications for academy status have been turned down by the Department for Education.

The conversation then moved onto Sulivan Primary and then deteriorated...

Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts looks at opening a free school

From the Liverpool Echo: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/lipa-open-new-liverpool-base-6689073

Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (Lipa) - co-founded by Mark Featherstone-Witty and Sir Paul McCartney in 1995 - is looking to open a primary free school.

Free school buys Bournemouth airport site

From Insider Media: http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/south-west/108033-bournemouth-airport-site-sold-free-school

'National Air Traffic Systems (NATS) completed the disposal of the former College of Air Traffic Control site to Parkfield School.

Founders of free schools can submit proposals three times per year instead of once

From the Mirror: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/half-empty-free-schools-new-bailout-3130106

'...Education Secretary Michael Gove is now making it easier for sponsors of Free Schools - a flagship idea of the Tory-led Coalition - to set them up.... Founders of Free Schools will be allowed three attempts to open schools - instead of the present one.'

Al-Madinah: no records for pupils or teachers

From The Nottingham Post: http://www.nottinghampost.com/reliable-record-pupils-school/story-20587972-detail/story.html

The paper said: 'Barry Day, chief executive of the Nottingham-based Greenwood Dale Foundation Trust, said he had been unable to find a reliable record of the school roll, and had to "count heads" to see how many secondary pupils it had.

Further Concerns over DfE and Freedom of Information

From the TES:



After the DfE turned down a recent FOI request from the TES relating to the Kings Science Academy, Maurice Frankel, director of the UK Campaign for Freedom of Information, told the paper: 'FOI has become very contentious in the Department for Education over the use of private email accounts and over the defensive use of exemptions to avoid disclosing names of bodies that have proposed free school... There are question marks over exactly how accurately they are applying the FOI rules.'

Sheffield MPs say age, experience and transparency are issues for free school board

From the Sheffield Telegraph: http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/local/mps-urge-examination-of-first-city-free-school-1-6423148

The paper says: 'Angela Smith and David Blunkett have written to express concerns that Chapeltown Academy has not yet announced its location, despite it being due to open in September, and it sponsoring body “has very little teaching experience”.

Governors cite teacher recruitment in vote for academy Vs council

From the Leicester Mercury: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Governors-troubled-Mowmacre-Primary-vote-favour/story-20587882-detail/story.html

'Trevor Nichol, chairman of governors, said: "We've worked closely with the local authority for a number of years, but we believe we can move forward much quicker with the Discovery trust.

'"...The trust has strong support mechanisms in place and one of our issues has been recruiting the right calibre of staff. As the trust is attached to a training school, that support will be readily available."'

First MAT to include a voluntary aided school

From the Oxford Times:
 http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/10995569.Seven_schools_hold_talks_on_multi_academy_trust/


Bartholomew School in Eynsham (head: Andy Hamilton), already an academy, is looking to join up with six primary schools in the area: Stanton Harcourt CE (VC - head: Karen Jupp) , Eynsham Community Primary, St Peter’s Church of England Primary School (VA), Hanborough Manor Primary (VC), Standlake Church of England Primary School (VC) and Freeland Church of England Primary School (VC).

If it goes ahead it could be the first MAT to include Voluntary Aided (VA - where the Oxford Diocese board of education contributes to building costs) schools, among community schools, in the country.

Jane Austen College, Norwich, signs funding agreement

From EDP: http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/politics/new_norwich_school_gets_government_green_light_1_3288121

Claire Heald, principal Jane Austen College, said of the funding agreement: “It’s hugely important because it is the green light from the Department for Education that they are completely happy with our recruitment numbers and educational plans and means we are set for opening in September.

Wac Arts Free School for pupils failing in mainstream

From the Ham and High: http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/parents_told_of_plans_for_wac_arts_free_school_in_belsize_park_1_3286468

'The Wac Arts Free School, based at the Wac Arts college at the Old Hampstead Town Hall in Haverstock Hill, will teach about 60 pupils aged 14 to 19 who have failed to thrive in mainstream education.'

Staff at STEM Academy Tech City look at new agreement

It is believed that NUT members at STEM Academy Tech City are looking at proposals that could see the strike suspended later today as more detailed talks between the union and the school's management continue.

Last week the strike went ahead as the NUT and school managers fell out From the TES: http://news.tes.co.uk/b/news/2014/02/05/teachers-in-first-free-school-strike-over-plans-for-quot-zero-hours-quot-contacts.aspx

Primary School moves... free school moves in

From the Islington Gazette:
 http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/news/hornsey_rise_free_school_set_for_ashmount_site_is_already_oversubscribed_say_dfe_1_3286610

'Whitehall Park Free School looks set to open at the former Ashmount Primary School site, in Hornsey Lane...' (Ashmount Primary was moved to Crouch Hill).

TES: free school outsources teaching

From the TES: http://news.tes.co.uk/b/news/2014/02/05/free-school-outsources-teaching-to-private-firm.aspx

'Sandymoor School in Runcorn has entered into a contract with Liverpool-based firm, Educate Me, to deliver two BTEC qualifications in sport and exercise science and enterprise and entrepreneurship.'

AET hires public affairs firm following DfE advice on communications

From New School Finance:

A spokesman for AET said: 'AET was asked by the DfE to ensure that our communications with MPs and other stakeholders were up to speed; taking on external support was the most cost effective way to do that.'

Approved free school axed due to lack of interest

From This is Local London: http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/10992138.Academy_axed_as_bosses_say_no_need_for_extra_school/

'Oasis Community Learning... (DfE approved) plans to open the Oasis Community School Walthamstow were axed because of insufficient demand for secondary school places...'

School's £430k deficit: academies or demographics to blame?

From Norfolk EDP:
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/education/falling_pupil_numbers_leave_norwich_school_facing_430_000_deficit_1_3281394

'Rob Anthony, associate headteacher at the Hewett School said: 'The Hewett School has a budget deficit which was caused by a falling number of secondary age pupils in Norwich over a nine year period.'

Faith cap limits Catholic investment in academies and free schools

From the TES: http://news.tes.co.uk/b/news/2014/02/04/catholics-cannot-invest-in-free-schools-and-academies-if-50-per-cent-faith-admissions-stays-says-mp.aspx

Mark Hoban, MP said: “Unfortunately, there is a cap on faith-based admissions, which inhibits the willingness of Catholics to sponsor a new academy or free school, and therefore limits the diversity of academies or free schools”

'Unprecedented' finances may stand in way of Leicester converter

From the Leicester Mercury: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Rushey-Mead-school-academy/story-20563941-detail/story.html

Councillor Vi Dempster said: (I)'can only think that the governors (of Rushey Mead School, Leicester) believe that the Department for Education (DofE) will underwrite all costs after conversion (governors voted to convert this week).

Standards committee probes new models of public service delivery

From the Local Government Lawyer:  http://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17105:standards-watchdog-to-review-risks-from-new-models-of-service-delivery&catid=59&Itemid=27

The Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) is to commission independent research on the risks created by the development of new models of public service delivery.

Mouchel investigates suspended six-school trust head

From Spalding Today: http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/education/head-suspended-in-misconduct-probe-1-5849056?WT.mc_id=Outbrain_text&obref=obinsite


Carol Clare, chief executive officer (CEO) and principal of The Phoenix Family of Schools (PFOS) was suspended last week after an allegation was “anonymously raised” with the federation’s senior management.

(UPDATE on closure) Discovery Free School not able to meet its financial commitments

UPDATE from the BBC (April 4 2014): Discovery Free School shut down

This is from the DfE's investigation reports:
http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/executiveagencies/efa/efafundingfinance/b00212647/external-assurance/academiesfraud-/investigation-reports

The investigation document  (published in October 2013) included theses paragraphs:

'The Trust does not monitor cash flow, does not have an approved budget for 2013-14 and has not developed an up to date long term financial plan. There is a significant risk that the school may not be able to meet its financial obligations and may not represent a going concern.

Lack of experience was a real problem for free school founders

From This is Wiltshire:
http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/10981592.School_campaigner_backs_college_plan/

Kevin Gray (who was trying to win backing for a free school bid but is now backing another bid) said: “The reality is we can’t compete with New College which has so much more experience behind it.

AET responds to concerns about its proposed joint venture

From AET: http://www.academiesenterprisetrust.org/page/support-services-%E2%80%93-notice-regarding-possible-joint-venture

Below are a couple of quotes from the longer press release. Amongst others, AET may outsource finance and data staff too.

Chris Woodhead opens private school in Islington

From the Islington Gazette: http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/news/crime-courts/opening_of_controversial_canonbury_private_school_moves_closer_1_3259974

'In November the Gazette revealed the company behind the school (North Bridge House Senior, Canonbury), Cognita, is run by Chris Woodhead...

'...has been mired in controversy since it was announced, with many people angry it will be able to open without applying to the town hall to become a school – its current legal use is as a conference centre.'

Michael Gove's decision to replace Sally Morgan as Chair of Ofsted

From the Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/exclusive-michael-gove-sacks-ofsted-chief-baroness-sally-morgan-9100273.html

'The outgoing chair of Ofsted Baroness Sally Morgan has accused David Cameron of trying to purge non-Conservatives from public bodies after The Independent revealed that Michael Gove would not be renewing the Labour peer's term as head of the schools inspectorate.'
The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/feb/01/michael-gove-ofsted-chair-baroness-morgan

From the Daily Telegraph: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/iainmartin1/100257672/michael-gove-sacks-baroness-sally-morgan-who-is-she-who-cares/

From the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-26004358

Mandarin bi-lingual free school gets approval

From Barnet Today: http://www.barnet-today.co.uk/news.cfm?id=3652&headline=Mandarin%20language%20academy%20given%20go-ahead%20by%20Gove

A proposed bi-lingual free school school has moved into a “pre-opening phase” after getting approval from Education Secretary, Michael Gove.

Catholic academy criticises 'Catholic tax' by local authority

From the Christian Today: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/bradford.plans.to.tax.faith.schools.say.catholics/35655.htm

'The chairwoman of The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust, Caroline Hyde, has written to Bradford Council, claiming that families will suffer "financial difficulties". The Trust runs six schools in the county.

Deputy head moves from Academies Transformation Trust to International English Schools

From the EDP: http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/education/long_serving_iceni_academy_deputy_head_lands_ies_breckland_top_job_1_3262169


'Alison Tilbrook, deputy headteacher at Iceni Academy (Academies Transformation Trust) in Methwold, is due to join IES Breckland Free School in Brandon on Monday...

Nottingham free school plans rejected by DfE

From the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-25975767


'The Newark School of Enterprise would have been led by Andrew Cutts-McKay the former head of the troubled Al-Madinah free school in Derby.

The Department for Education (DfE) said the school could not "reach the high bar" set out by ministers.

AET to set up a subsidary for £200-£400m service contracts

From the TES: http://news.tes.co.uk/b/news/2014/01/31/england-39-s-biggest-academy-chain-to-bring-in-private-sector-to-run-schools.aspx

From Unison: https://www.unison.org.uk/news/unprecedented-school-privatisation-would-put-profits-before-pupils

'The seven-year contract, estimated to be worth between £200m and £400m, is likely to affect at least 500 staff across 80 schools.

Financial concerns dog Al-Madinah

From the Derby Telegraph: http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Founding-trustees-resign-Derby-s-Al-Madinah/story-20531026-detail/story.html

'Investigations into the finances of the schools are still ongoing by the Department for Education and also the Education Funding Agency...

Manchester free school submits plans for new building

From Manchester Evening News: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/ancoats-new-islington-free-school-6649763

'New Islington Free School opened on a temporary site on Jersey Street, Ancoats, last September but is hoping to move to a new purpose-built home on derelict land less than half a mile away.'

Hackney head says change status before choices are cut

From the Hackney Citizen: http://hackneycitizen.co.uk/2014/01/31/northwold-primary-school-academy-application/

The Hackney Citizen reported: 'Headteacher Alison Kriel said: “We know that there is a general election coming up and all political parties have said they are going to keep the academies programme in place (but) ... fewer and fewer opportunities for schools to decide for themselves what kind of academy they want to be”, adding: “That’s why we decided we want to be proactive and decide for ourselves.”

Accuracy check could delay forced academy

From the Bolton News: http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/NEWS/10976114.Gorsefield_Primary_School_awaits_government_s_academy_decision/

'Gorsefield Primary School in Robertson Street has been placed in special measures after government education watchdogs inspected the establishment last November.'

Financial reasons for state boarding school to seek academy status

From the Surrey Mirror: http://www.surreymirror.co.uk/Reigate-school-considers-academy/story-20522466-detail/story.html

'...the Gatton Park state boarding school, which has junior, senior and sixth form sections, says its grant from central government could increase by about £140,000 per year if it took the step – although, as an academy, it would take responsibility for a number of roles currently handled by Surrey County Council.

Parliamentary debate: Reading LEA and school inspections

From They Work For You: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/whall/?id=2014-01-29a.287.0&s=academies#g294.1


Rob Wilson MP:
'Earlier this year, the Minister wrote to Reading LEA, challenging it over the gap that has developed between rich and poor children’s performances, despite the huge Government investment through the pupil premium.

Fulham primary survives for another round

From Get West London: http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/lifeline-sulivan-school-council-committee-6645458

Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s Conservative cabinet voted on Monday last week to close the award-winning Sulivan Primary School and amalgamate it with nearby New Kings School'... but ...

Places shortage trumps parking problems for Watford Free school

From the Watford Observer: http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/10975138.Primary_school_plans_recommended_for_approval_despite_parking_concerns/

'Plans... have been recommended for approval despite serious concerns being raised by police and traffic officials.'

Altrincham private school bids to become a free school

From the Messenger: http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/10972721.North_Cestrian_launches_first____free_school____application_in_Trafford/

ALTRINCHAM’S North Cestrian Grammar School is set to end its private status, opening the door to non fee-paying students.

Guardian: Chains fail to meet government targets

From the Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jan/29/academy-schools-gcse-target

This story looks at GCSE results stripping out equivalent qualifications to standard GCSEs, such as BTecs. The original work was done by Local Schools Network which opposes free schools and academies: http://www.localschoolsnetwork.org.uk/2013/05/the-academies-illusion-what-the-data-reveals/