Kenilworth School in academy conversion talks

Kenilworth School has revealed it is considering becoming the lead school of a multi-academy trust.
MHLC-02-07-13 Kenilworth school Jul 30

Pictured, Kenilworth school,Leyes Lane. ENGNNL00120131030151243MHLC-02-07-13 Kenilworth school Jul 30

Pictured, Kenilworth school,Leyes Lane. ENGNNL00120131030151243
MHLC-02-07-13 Kenilworth school Jul 30 Pictured, Kenilworth school,Leyes Lane. ENGNNL00120131030151243

On Friday March 11, the school had announced possible plans to convert to academy status after first discussing the idea at the end of last year.

But by coincidence, the Government announced five days later its plans to make all schools become academies by 2020.

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In the wake of the announcement, the school’s governors felt they needed to act quickly to stay in control of their own fate rather than wait to be told what to do by the Government should the plans become law.

Chair of Governors Sue Casey said: “We want to be in control of our own destiny. We’re an outstanding school which achieves incredibly good results, and what’s important is to keep it that way.

“We’re trying to do things in the best possible way for us, on our own terms. Academies are a big a political hot potato but we’re just trying to focus on what’s right for Kenilworth School.

“It’s important to note we haven’t made a final decision yet - we’re consulting with our current stakeholders and we’re open to feedback. We’re doing our absolute best to make an informed decision.

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“The consultation will take as long as it needs to - it’s important to make the right decision at the right time. If legislation comes in, then we’ll be ahead of the game.”

It is not known how many academies will be part of the proposed multi-academy trust should it be created.

Academies are state-funded schools but receive funding from central government rather than the local authority. Many are part of multi-academy trusts, which oversee each academy within them.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan’s plans to convert all schools into academies have proved controversial, with many MPs, including backbench Conservatives, voicing reservations over the proposals. Tory-led Warwickshire County Council has also rejected forced academisation.

Any questions or comments about the school’s conversion should be sent to [email protected]