Local Protest Over Academy School Plans

Last weekend, a group of local students held a protest against Academy schools. They claim that Sandringham and Loreto College have both applied for Academy status.

The Academy Schools bill is currently being rushed through Parliament. Essentially, it allows schools to cut their ties with local authorities and, instead, buy services from other bodies, including charities and businesses run for a profit. Academy schools will be allowed to set their own curriculum and, to some extent, admissions criteria.

The students are concerned that this will lead to a two tier educational system. They're also concerned the students and parents do not have to be consulted before a head teacher applies for their school to become an Academy.

The protestors have created a video covering the protest and outlining their concerns.