I’ve been asked to sign a petition about the Charter School taking more time to consult about becoming a new style Academy. Unfortunately the petition doesn’t seem focused on this point about a proper consultation so didn’t feel I could sign it although sympathise hugely with the consultation point. Hopefully I can get a joint letter with local councillors asking the school to consult locally before taking any such decision.

From the Dept of Education website Charter School is listed along with several other schools in the Southwark Councl area as being an outstanding school expressing an interest. No other schools in Southwark that are not outstnaidng have expressed an interest. Last I heard 30 schools are proceeding out of the 1,500 schools expressing any interest.

IF a school decides to become an Academy they can do so at any point in the school year. I suspect this is allowed because so few schools have expressed an interest and even less so far are taking up this interest yet and the tory minister needs progress before September 2011.