600 parents in school rebellion

PETITION . . . some of the unhappy parents, from left, Dara Miah, Mohammed Islam, Azad Miah, Abdur Rahman, Askir Miah, Abdul Ahad and Mohammed Ali Salik

MORE than 600 parents have signed a petition demanding education improvements at Grange School.

And they could hold a demonstration at the Rochdale Road secondary, which will become an academy in September.

But the council says a survey of parents actually shows a high level of parental satisfaction.

The petition has been started by the Grange School Parents’ Forum (GSPF) which includes former pupils and community activists.

It says that over the last decade GCSE results have been among the lowest in the country.

Members, who would not speak to the Chronicle individually, expressed concerns about vocational courses being used to boost results, subjects offered, exclusions and staff treatment.

A statement from the forum also calls for head teacher Gilly McMullen, the senior management team and governors to be held accountable or resign.

It adds: “Parents are not happy with the poor standards, attainment and results of the school. The senior management team, including the head teacher and chairman of governors, are very weak and have been poor to respond to the needs of pupils and parents.

“Many parents from the catchment area are already sending their children to other secondary schools such as Radclyffe and North Chadderton.”

Last year 27 per cent of Grange pupils achieved five GCSE A* to C grades including English and maths, below the Government’s 30 per cent target.

In September it will be replaced by an academy run by Edutrust Academies Charitable Trust (EACT) as part of Oldham £266 million Building Schools for the Future overhaul.

Former Wardle High deputy head Collette Burgess was appointed principal designate in July.

GSPF said that it supports the academy but added: “We request that EACT does not employ the same senior management team. There needs to be a fresh start for the school.”

A statement from Oldham Council said significant work had also been done to improve behaviour and attendance, and reduce exclusions.

Grange has also received two awards in the last year for staff development and inclusion.

A spokesman added: “Both these awards acknowledge the role of the senior leadership team, working closely with the staff of the school, in bringing about improvement in teaching and learning.

“Last month the school also asked parents to complete a parental satisfaction questionnaire at a review day.

“It asked them how they felt that their children were supported in their learning and opportunities for development.

“The response rate from parents in all year groups was above 95 per cent and the results showed a high level of satisfaction with the school.”