In the light of Government proposals regarding the future of secondary education in this country please see the text of a letter from the Head of King Edward VII School regarding academisation proposals.
27 March 2017
Dear Parent/Carer
Academisation
Against a constantly changing, and exciting at times, educational landscape, we write to inform you that although the media reported a u-turn on the academisation of all schools by 2022, in reality, the Government’s position has not changed. The information from the Department for Education and the Regional Schools Commissioner is unequivocal - all schools must convert to academy status. In Sheffield there are only a small number of Local Authority secondary schools remaining and all the rest have converted to academy status as part of multi-academy trusts.
Anticipating this position, the Governing Body and Leadership Team of the School have been pro-active in researching different models and partnerships since the announcement was made by Justine Greening, Secretary of State for Education. It is essential for King Edward VII School, with its long and distinguished history and ethos, to retain control of its own destiny and to consider carefully the options that will enable the School to build strong, collaborative partnerships that will work in the best interests of our students, families and communities. The School must be ‘future-focused’ to ensure that we can safeguard the future of students and the School.
Taking this into account, we have explored a number of options including creating a multi-academy trust with other local schools and schools further afield. Discussions are still ongoing and as part of this process we are determined that the final decision that is made will take account of the views of parents, carers and other stakeholders. It is of the utmost importance that we make the right decision for King Edward VII School.
We will provide you with further information as soon as it is available during this period of momentous change for our School.
Yours faithfully
Linda Gooden Barbara Walsh
Headteacher Chair of Governors
27 March 2017
Dear Parent/Carer
Academisation
Against a constantly changing, and exciting at times, educational landscape, we write to inform you that although the media reported a u-turn on the academisation of all schools by 2022, in reality, the Government’s position has not changed. The information from the Department for Education and the Regional Schools Commissioner is unequivocal - all schools must convert to academy status. In Sheffield there are only a small number of Local Authority secondary schools remaining and all the rest have converted to academy status as part of multi-academy trusts.
Anticipating this position, the Governing Body and Leadership Team of the School have been pro-active in researching different models and partnerships since the announcement was made by Justine Greening, Secretary of State for Education. It is essential for King Edward VII School, with its long and distinguished history and ethos, to retain control of its own destiny and to consider carefully the options that will enable the School to build strong, collaborative partnerships that will work in the best interests of our students, families and communities. The School must be ‘future-focused’ to ensure that we can safeguard the future of students and the School.
Taking this into account, we have explored a number of options including creating a multi-academy trust with other local schools and schools further afield. Discussions are still ongoing and as part of this process we are determined that the final decision that is made will take account of the views of parents, carers and other stakeholders. It is of the utmost importance that we make the right decision for King Edward VII School.
We will provide you with further information as soon as it is available during this period of momentous change for our School.
Yours faithfully
Linda Gooden Barbara Walsh
Headteacher Chair of Governors