Today Tidemill Primary School in Deptford officially became an Academy. The school is now run by the Tidemill Academy Trust.
The concept of Academy schools was first introduced by Labour and was intended to help struggling schools combat persistently low levels of academic achievement. Academies are funded directly by central government and, although they must continue to meet certain requirements, are essentially self-governing: they manage their own budget, set pay and working conditions and run the curriculum.
The concept of Academy schools was first introduced by Labour and was intended to help struggling schools combat persistently low levels of academic achievement. Academies are funded directly by central government and, although they must continue to meet certain requirements, are essentially self-governing: they manage their own budget, set pay and working conditions and run the curriculum.
Many of us feared that Academies as originally proposed would become too separated from the local family of schools and create real problems for their neighbours. Significant changes were made to Labour’s original proposals after a group (which included myself) worked hard with ministers to get them amended. Some disadvantage to neighbours remained, but this could be set against real improvement for a failing school. Tidemill, however, is not a failing school: it is a highly successful one, and the case made by the previous government therefore does not hold.
As a Member of Parliament I have to take an overview of the needs of the whole constituency, as well as the prospects for any one institution. Taking account of all the facts I concluded that it was not in the best interests of the local community for Tidemill School to become an Academy.
The move has also had consequences for the Deptford Lounge Project. The project was conceived as a hub for the Deptford community, the idea being that the new school building (to be used by Tidemill) would be integrated with a new library and community-use building. Because of the conditions of the contract, the council is now having to honour the arrangement for Tidemill to move into the new building but is only able to charge a nominal rent, despite the fact that the school is now operating outside of the local authority. It has been a real disappointment to see this project compromised.
Related press:
Controversial Academy To Move Into £20 Million Deptford Lounge Community Building
Controversial Deptford Primary School Becomes An Academy
MP Claims 'Serious Questions Must Be Answered' Over Second Academy Bid
As a Member of Parliament I have to take an overview of the needs of the whole constituency, as well as the prospects for any one institution. Taking account of all the facts I concluded that it was not in the best interests of the local community for Tidemill School to become an Academy.
The move has also had consequences for the Deptford Lounge Project. The project was conceived as a hub for the Deptford community, the idea being that the new school building (to be used by Tidemill) would be integrated with a new library and community-use building. Because of the conditions of the contract, the council is now having to honour the arrangement for Tidemill to move into the new building but is only able to charge a nominal rent, despite the fact that the school is now operating outside of the local authority. It has been a real disappointment to see this project compromised.
Related press:
Controversial Academy To Move Into £20 Million Deptford Lounge Community Building
Controversial Deptford Primary School Becomes An Academy
MP Claims 'Serious Questions Must Be Answered' Over Second Academy Bid
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