Today's NEU strike action and rally gave the NEU representative at Capital City Academy a chance to update members on what is happening regarding the takeover of the school by the Harris Federation Multi-Academy Trust - founded by a carpet millionaire.
The proposal was a shot out of the blue some time ago and came without any consultation with staff unions, governors, parents, the community or the local council. It is a sign of the increasing marketisation of education that there is no democratic involvement at all - schools can be traded as commodities.
There is resistance.
People who are opposed to the takeover are asked to join others at the school at 4.30pm on Thursday 4th May where the Harris Federation will be trying to smooth-talk parents into supporting their bid.
Government policy is now to push all schools into multi-academny trusts (MATs). This leaves stand-alone academies, that often converted from local authority schools for financial reasons, in a vulnerable position. Brent already has schools run by Ark and E-Act, and this would be the first Harris Federation incursion in the borough. Some stand-alone secondary academies (not in a multi-academy trust) such as Wembley and Preston Manor have also started primary departments. They all lack the democratic accountability previously derived from local authority oversight.
2 comments:
Absolutely shocking that this can even be legal
Also about generating education asset brownfield land dispose all opportunities. If you look at Marylebone Boys School Paddington, the kids are being educated in a new tower block.
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