GCSE results and funding cuts should mean re-think on Hastings Academies

7.42.57am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 31st Aug 2009

Nick Perry, Lib Dem parliamentary hopeful for Hastings & Rye, has called on the Conservative County Council to think again on Academies for Hastings.

Nick has questioned Cllr Keith Glazier, the Cabinet member for Children's Services, about whether the recent news in the national press regarding the financial situation of British Telecom - the private sector sponsor for the planned Academies - and the Secretary of State's focus on chains of schools as the best way to improve the results of failing schools, means that the Council should develop an alternative to the Academies plan.

On Saturday (29 August) the national press reported that the Government will slash funding on Academies.

In response, Nick said,

"First of all, I want to pay tribute to the fantastic partnership between Ninestiles, staff, parents and students that has brought about the huge improvements in GCSE results that we have seen in the last week.

"I also want to congratulate the County Council in the role that it has played in breaking the pattern of disappointing results over recent years (for which it must take responsibility as well).

"These results only go to strengthen the argument that dramatic improvements in secondary education in Hastings are possible without the changes of governance that Academies would bring.

"With the news that BT is struggling, and that the Government is reducing the funding available for Academies, along with these fantastic GCSE results, isn't it time for the County Council to bring forward an alternative plan for local people to consider alongside the plan for Academies? The reduced possibility of participation for local people in the Academies governance structure is very concerning. The accountability of our schools to local parents and children is vital."