Academies – defend your school
Update for UNISON members, March 2012
As of 1 March 2012 there are 1635 academies open in England, and the numbers continue to increase. This update aims to inform UNISON members and organisers of some of the latest news about academies – and to assist local campaigns to oppose forced academies.
For an up-to-date list of the academies that are open in England, as well as academies that are in development, visit the Department for Education website at:
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools/academies/b0069811/openacademies-and-academy-projects-in-development
Taking action against Forced Academies
The government has identified 200 primary schools which it deems to be ‘under-performing’ and is forcing these schools to become academies. These schools are being told they must become academies, even though there is no evidence to show that this will lead to school improvement.
Many of these primary schools are in deprived areas, with significant numbers of pupils on free school meals or whose first language is not English.
Local campaigns against forced academies are taking place around the country. Parents, local communities and the school workforce are speaking out, saying that the best way to raise standards is not by forcing a school to become an academy but by supporting the heads, teachers and support staff in the existing school to improve teaching and learning.
Despite vocal opposition, the government is pushing ahead with its plans. In Haringey, London, the government has responded to a local campaign against forced academies by sacking governors, imposing interim Executive Boards, and pushing schools to take on an academy sponsor.
You can read more on the Anti-Academies Alliance website: http://antiacademies.org.uk
UNISON has drafted advice for members regarding Forced Academies. The advice includes checklist of steps you can take if your school is being forced to become an academy.
Download the Forced Academies advice here: http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A14192.pdf
“Keep the fat cats out of our schools” – protest planned for 16 May
On Wednesday 16 May, the Anti Academies Alliance is planning a “Keep the fat cats out of our schools” protest outside the Academies Show which is being held at Olympia, London. The event will be a protest against profiteering in education.
More details here: http://antiacademies.org.uk/2012/03/protest-keep-the-fat-cats-out-of-our-schools/
Click here to read the full document
Forced Academies
Advice for UNISON members, March 2012
Forced Academies face growing opposition
The government has identified 200 primary schools which it deems to be ‘under-performing’ and is forcing these schools to become academies. These schools are being told they must become academies, even though there is no evidence to show that this will lead to school improvement. Many of these primary schools are in deprived areas, with significant numbers of pupils on free school meals or whose first language is not English.
Local campaigns against forced academies are taking place around the country. Parents, local communities and the school workforce are speaking out, saying that the best way to raise standards is not by forcing a school to become an academy but by supporting the heads, teachers and support staff in the existing school to improve teaching and learning.
Despite vocal opposition, the government is pushing ahead with its plans. In Haringey, London, the government has responded to a local campaign against forced academies by sacking governors, imposing interim Executive Boards, and pushing schools to take on an academy sponsor.
You can read more about the government’s plans (including a list of primary schools moving toward academy status) on the Anti-Academies Alliance website here: http://antiacademies.org.uk/2012/03/who-is-gove-giving-our-primary-schools-to/
For an up-to-date list of the academies that are open in England, as well as academies that are in development, visit the Department for Education website at: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools/academies/b0069811/open-academies-and-academy-projects-in-development
Taking action against forced academies – a UNISON checklist
So, what can you do if your school is being forced to become an academy?
Here is a checklist of actions you can take:
