Commerce, educational prospectors and political pressure groups take note

There has been a campaign in Brighton against the possibility of Varndean school becoming an academy.  The headteacher and chair of governors have now posted the following notice on the school website:

Varndean school is not about to become an Academy now or in the near future.

Over the next year, we will be sharply focussed on the needs of our students by continuing to develop our excellent classroom practice. We will be sharply focused on standing shoulder to shoulder with our secondary partners to improve learning across the city as a state funded, comprehensive and inclusive school. We will continue to keep abreast of changes in the educational landscape.

In the event that governors foresee national and local changes as having a significant impact on our ability to deliver high quality education for our students suggesting a change of status, there would be a consultative process with staff, students and parents, prospective parents and other interested parties.

In the meantime, we request that staff, students and governors, be allowed to get on with business as usual, free from some of the unpleasantness that we have experienced as a result of this political activity. Our school is run by skilled professionals, ably supported by governors and educational expertise both locally and nationally.  With regards to commerce, educational prospectors or political pressure groups:

Varndean school is not for sale.

Brent secondary schools take note.