Blue Coat switch is open to debate

HEAD teacher Julie Hollis

PEOPLE are being urged to have their say on whether Blue Coat school should become an academy.

The Church of England secondary is launching consultation with pupils, parents and the community today which will last for four weeks.

It is looking at becoming a convertor academy rather than one opened by sponsors.

Blue Coat has already held a round of consultation with parents in June and July last year.

Head teacher Julie Hollis said: “That consultation was very helpful; it showed where further research and specialist advice was needed. It also led to the governing body clarifying the principles which must underpin any conversion.”

The number of academies in England has risen from 203 in May, 2010, to 629.

They are state-funded but are outside local authority control with more freedom over the curriculum, term dates and teachers’ pay and conditions.

Previously targeted at struggling schools, the scheme has been opened up to top performers.

Hathershaw and Crompton House schools are considering applying to become academies.

Limeside Primary school is also working on a proposal to open as an academy in September 1. It would be sponsored by Oldham Community Learning which runs Oasis Academy Oldham, which replaced Kaskenmoor and South Chadderton schools.

John Lees, chairman of governors at Blue Coat, said: “It is now important that we involve as many people as possible and get their thoughts on whether Blue Coat should convert.

“The governors’ priority is that the school continues to provide an outstanding education for our young people, who come from across Oldham, the Manchester Diocese and beyond. There are a huge number of people who have an interest in this, and we are reaching out to all of them.

“The governing body encourages all individuals and organisations with an interest in the school to let us know their views so that the consultation is as wide as possible and we reach the right decision.”

Details on how people can have their say are on the school website at www.blue-coat.oldham.sch.uk