Today, Oakmeeds sent out a letter to parents saying that they are going to explore the possibility of converting to Academy Status.
Click here to read the letter

Chairman of the Governers David Fry wrote…

…..A vital part of the process is to consult with all interested parties which clearly includes yourselves.
The precise form of the consultation still has to be set up and, in order to do this, we will be talking to other schools which have been through the process to gain from their experience.
We want to make sure that you are properly briefed so that you can make an informed contribution to the consultation.

Us cynical types will see this announcement as  already being a  ‘done deal’ and it won’t matter what the little people think!

It’s been known for a while that the school wanted to follow in the footsteps of Warden Park by gaining academy status. Word is that Southway would be in line to become Oakmeeds’ Primary Acadamy.

What does Academy status bring?
The list of freedoms gained through academy status includes: freedom to adapt the national curriculum, to vary teachers’ pay and conditions, and to vary the length of the school day/week/year. The school can also increase their budget by up to 10% by having academy status. That’s about it.

You can read a great article about the pros and cons of academys here…
http://mikebakereducation.co.uk/…/what-does-academy-status-really-mean

Do Oakmeeds really need to change and convert to an academy or is this just a case of those in charge desperate to throw the kitchen sink at the school, obsessed with their own reputation?