Council leader’s academy plea

McMahon wants dialogue with schools considering change of status

COUNCIL leader Jim McMahon is asking schools considering academy status to talk to the council before making a firm decision.

Academy schools are semi-independent, state-funded schools which get their funding direct from central government.

They get additional freedom over finances, curriculum, length of terms and school days, and don’t have to follow national teacher pay and conditions. Some schools become academies if they are judged to be performing poorly and are taken over by a sponsor. Outstanding schools can become academies without a sponsor.

Changes to Government rules mean schools can now opt to become academies by choice. According to Councillor McMahon, sponsors are known to have approached local schools offering to support them in the move.

He said: “I believe in a vibrant and supportive family of schools educating our children. The majority of schools in our borough share this belief, but some see the potential offered by converting to an academy.

“The value of the Oldham family of schools supported by a local authority whose interest is in the young people and communities we serve loses something when a school opts out.

“I am concerned that often a balanced argument isn’t put forward - particularly when a third party with a vested interest is involved.”

Oldham Council wants any local schools giving consideration to an academy conversion to contact them for an early discussion so that all parties can understand the factors, motivations and possible outcomes of such a move.



Academies and sponsors



Secondary



Blue Coat (no sponsor)

Crompton House (no sponsor)

Hathershaw (no sponsor)

Oasis Academy Oldham (sponsored by Oasis)

Oldham Academy North (E-ACT)

Waterhead (Oldham College)




Primary



Coppice (Focus Trust)

Limeside Oasis Academy (Oasis)

St Chad’s (no sponsor)

Stoneleigh (Oldham College)




Special



New Bridge (no sponsor)

In the process of converting to an academy

Richmond Primary School (E-Act)

Applied to become an academy

Glodwick Infant and Nursery (Focus Trust)

Roundthorn Primary (Focus Trust)