Kirklees Local Plan sent to Planning Inspector
Liberal Democrat Councillor for Cleckheaton Ward and member of the House of Lords. Learn more
by Kath Pinnock on 6 November, 2010
The Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, has said that any plans for a so-called free school in Birkenshaw must have fewer than 800 pupils.
Birkenshaw parents have been told that their plans for a school on the site can go to the next stage of planning but it MUST be smaller than the one they planned for. There will NOT be enough places for all children in Birstall, Birkenshaw and Gomersal. The parents have not yet said what the admission policy will be.
Conservative councillors, who have been giving wholehearted support for this school, claimed it was needed for children in Birstall. The reality is that very few children from Birstall will get a place.
What we do know is that the school will be run for profit by Serco. We also know is that it will not simply be a continuation of the Middle school. Many of the staff will change.
The parents group who want this school must now consult locally. I hope they will consult all parents, school staff, and local residents who will be affected by this proposal.
1 Comment
Hi Kath
Many thanks for promoting the fact that BBG have been given permission to present our business case for our High School. I didn’t know you cared so much!
For your information the school admissions policy will be included in the Business Case as per the DfE requirement.
As you know, no school in the UK can be run on a “for profit” basis, and our school WILL BE NO DIFFERENT. Why are continuing to spread untruths and twisting the actual facts?You have been told on many occasions about SERCO’s involvement. Is it that you don’t understand the situation or don’t want to?