Shropshire schools considering forming an academy
Schools in a town are looking at the option of forming an academy in north Shropshire.
Market Drayton Learning Partnership's stakeholder forum met this week to discuss a range of matters affecting education in the town and surrounding area.
One of these areas was the expectation from central government that schools should eventually become academies.
John Hargreaves, chairman of governors at Market Drayton Infant School and member of the partnership, said it was a big decision and the schools did not want to rush into anything.
He said: "Now the government has withdrawn its education bill, the compulsion for all schools to become academies and join in Multi-Academy Trusts (MAT) has been lifted. With that, the pressure is off.
"But there is still an expectation that schools will eventually become academies and the forum heard from headteachers and governors about their latest thinking.
"There is a model being planned for some primary schools in north Shropshire and that is where we are at the moment.
"At the meeting headteachers at Market Drayton Junior School and Market Drayton Infant School described the potential benefits of joining a MAT currently being planned by a group of schools in north Shropshire.
"I think it is one of the biggest decisions facing our government for decades.
"It is not something to rush into. I am very happy with our current model which has a democratic input and also has excellent links with the community.
"I would prefer for that to continue. However, given the governments wishes we need to look at other solutions.
"There are risks at joining a MAT and there need to be looked at.
"But we have to work to make sure we maintain the excellent teaching and learning and do what is best for that."
Also at the meeting was Peter Ingham, chairman of governors at Grove School.
He spoke of pulling back from joining a MAT immediately and using the breathing space now available to consolidate progress in school and look in depth at options in the school's own time.
The forum also heard from Frances Derricutt, Zach Williams and Fred Bursley, student ambassadors for Grove School, about their input to the design of the planned new skate park and Longlands Community Centre.
