Council urges schools to ‘talk first’ on academy status

Cllr Jim McMahon.

Oldham Council is urging any local schools considering taking ‘Academy’ status to hold constructive talks first with the Local Authority.

Academy schools are semi-independent, state-funded schools which get their funding direct from central government.

They get additional freedom over finances, curriculum, length of terms and school days, and do not have to follow national pay and conditions for teachers.

Some schools have no choice to transfer to Academy status if they are judged to be performing poorly.

Changes to Government rules mean some schools are now opting to become Academies by choice – and sponsors are known to have approached local schools offering to support them in transferring to this status.

Jim McMahon, Oldham Council Leader, has now written to the headteachers and chairs of governors of all Local Authority-run schools asking for an open dialogue before any firm decision or commitments are made.

Councillor McMahon said: “I believe in a vibrant and supportive family of schools educating our children.”

“It is self-evident the majority of schools in our Borough share this belief, but for some they see the potential offered by converting to an Academy.

“The value of the Oldham family of schools supported by a Local Authority whose interest is in the young people and communities we serve loses something when a school opts out and, although I recognise that schools will make individual decisions about their future, I am concerned that often a balanced argument is not put forward, particularly when a third party with a vested interest is involved.”

Oldham Council wants any local schools giving consideration to an Academy conversion to contact them for an early discussion so that all parties can understand the factors, motivations and possible outcomes of such a move.

Cllr McMahon added: “We have achieved a great deal in Oldham by working as a family of schools hand in hand with the Council, which itself has invested millions of pounds and secured significant Government funding to improve the school estate.”

“By working together we have and will continue to make a difference in Oldham.”

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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