Head teachers revolt over plan to create another academy

A LONDON council is facing a backlash from its secondary head teachers over plans to turn one of its schools into an academy.

As it was revealed that 10 state-funded academies were among the worst schools in London, Croydon council was facing strong criticism over its plan to create another.

Twelve out of 15 members of Croydon's Head Teachers' Association signed a letter to council leader Mike Fisher. It raised questions about why Haling Manor was to be made into an academy with the "absence of any formal consultation".

School league tables released this week showed that although the school had a poor GCSE pass rate, its record in helping disadvantaged students was among the best in London.

The teachers claim that the sponsor of any academy would be able to pick and choose pupils and disregard those it had been successful in helping.

Such overwhelming discontent among senior staff will put the council under pressure to change its mind.

A consultation ended on Monday and the council is due to approve its plans at a meeting soon.

The headteachers met last month and agreed to make their fears known. Their letter highlighted the heads' fears about how an academy would change the school's ethos.

But councillor Tim Pollard said: "It is ridiculous to suggest we are rushing through these plans."