Much time has been spent by the governors of the college discussing the impact of the academy programme on Oathall Community College. The view has always been taken that continuous appraisal of the current educational landscape should inform active debate. The decision to enter into a formal consultation programme that would precede any potential conversion process will be taken when the Governing Body believe that this would most likely to secure the next stage of our school improvement.
Academies are defined as publicly-funded independent schools. The independence brings with it a number of freedoms including:
- freedom from local authority control
- the ability to set their own pay and conditions for staff
- freedoms around the delivery of the curriculum
- It is recognised that the local authority has changed substantially over recent years and its capacity to deliver services and support has been much reduced.
It is also understood that there is no financial imperative for us to convert to an academy. The per-pupil funding is the same for an academy as it is for a school under local authority control.
The aim for the college is to secure continuous improvement as evidenced by outstanding outcomes for the students in its charge. The college has made substantial improvements to its performance already with its results for 2013 being its best ever.
The status of the college is of significant importance and the fact that such notable improvements have been made ensure that we remain in control of this agenda and indeed our destiny.
At present, the Governors are of the opinion that the focus for the college must be to continue our programme of school improvement work. We are a good school with a stated aim to be an outstanding one.
We are keen to hear your views on this matter even before we potentially get to the stage of formal consultation. Please email the college at [email protected] if you would like to express any views.
The Governing Body of Oathall Community College.
