Work under way to tackle issues... but 'change takes time'

WORKING to make improvements . . . chair of governors Mohib Uddin

IMPROVEMENTS at Collective Spirit are under way, but "change takes time", the school said.

In response to the figures about the number of pupils requesting an alternative school placement and allegations made by parents, the chair of governors, Mohib Uddin, said work has been under way since the start of the academic year to act on issues raised by Ofsted, parents and pupils.

He said: "Since I took over in September we have been working to make improvements.

"We have been looking at the school as a whole ­- finances, education and teaching standards ­- along with working with the Regional Schools Commissioner to find a new sponsor for the school.

"We are aware of the issues raised by some of the parents of our pupils and we have been working with them and the pupils to investigate and address their concerns.

"Unfortunately, some of the parents have taken the decision to leave Collective Spirit, however, in our intake for the upcoming academic year we have a number of pupils who expressed a desire to attend the school as their first choice.

"We would like to thank parents for having faith in the school."

He added that all schools experience issues with bullying and the school was working to address the issues raised by parents, alongside concerns over teaching and education.

"Change takes time, however, the education of our pupils is our priority and we are working hard to ensure improvements are made and the school is ready for a new sponsor," Mr Uddin added.