Sunday 24 March 2013

Petition launched against Birbalsingh's Michaela Free School

The petition from parents, teachers and local residents launched today is available as a PDF on the panel opposite. Please run off copies and circulate to friends, work colleagues and neighbours. The petition will be sent to the Michaela Academy as a response to their current consultation (the first consultation meetng is on Tuesday March 26th in the Powell Suite,Chalkhill Community Centre 3-5pm and the second on April 4th 6-8pm. The Community Centre is at 113 Chalkhill Rd  Wembley, Greater London HA9 9FX. Directions: Cross the road from Wembley Park Station - turn left and then take first right.

The wording is self-explanatory:


We are a group of local parents, teachers and members of the local community opposed to the setting up of the Michaela ‘free’ school in Brent.


We think that the planning for school places has to be done in collaboration with the local community. Putting this school in the north of the borough of Brent will directly compete with our existing local schools and is not where the school place shortages are.

We believe that the evidence from ‘free’ schools has shown that they lead to increased social segregation, lower attainment and have been run for profit. Brent schools are in the top 10% of schools in the country so have a proven track record improving attainment for all children ensuring equal opportunities for pupils from all backgrounds.  



We believe that all children need decent school buildings, investment in their schools and smaller class sizes. Free schools have been funded by cutting two desperately needed grants, including the BSF (Building Schools for the Future) money promised to our existing local schools. We know that the cuts to education and public services and the raising of tuition fees will harm our communities. The free school movement is Michael Gove's experimental pet project and is part of the plan to privatise our services and will worsen education for all.


We, the undersigned, oppose the setting up of the Michaela Community School. This could destroy other local schools. We believe that school places need to be planned and the setting up of a school to ‘compete’ with others is damaging to our communities.

1 comment:

Alfie Rhodes said...

Perhaps the council tax payers of Brent would like an altenative to Copland Community School ?

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/education/financial-irregularities-rife-in-schools-as-brent-council-reveals-audit-8159377.html

I would also point out that the following text appears in the Brent booklet detailing applying for places for 2013 entry. Brent does not have enough places to satisfy demand.

" Every parent has the right to apply to any school of their choice, either within Brent or in a
different borough, but be realistic. There is an overall shortage of secondary school places in
Brent and the criteria will be applied strictly. Your preferences should be informed choices
based on the criteria set out for each school. "