Academy not for us

Published: 17 June, 2011

• OVER the last weeks some primary schools in Islington have been exploring the educational benefits to pupils of becoming an academy. Pooles Park was one of these. Last Thursday, the governing body decided that Pooles Park will not become an academy at this time. 

Pooles Park is a thriving school with great children and a committed staff. Against a backdrop of cuts and loss of grants, there was a possibility we might get substantial additional money by receiving it directly from central government. It was simply something we felt obliged to look into as an option if it could bring benefits to the school and for the children. 

There was a month-long consultation which invited all those involved with the school to offer opinions. We spoke also to lawyers, human resources experts, educationalists and many other experts.

Our decision was made based on: the views of those involved with the school, a detailed look at the finances now and over coming years and a longer-term look at the school’s plans if becoming an academy would help deliver them. 

For the governing body, this consultation process was to ensure the children were getting the very best educational opportunities possible. We will continue now to work closely with the local education authority and other partners to make sure the school goes from strength to strength.

CAMILLA WEST
Vice-chair of governors, Pooles Park School