Village School governors vote to form academy trust with Woodfield School

Governors have given plans for The Village School to be converted into an academy the green light.

In the wake of strikes from staff members outside the meeting yesterday afternoon, governors voted for Village to be joined with Woodfield School in forming a multi-academy trust, with “reduced costs” cited as a reason for the partnership. No decision will be made until the governing body at Woodfield have their vote – scheduled for Monday. If the school votes against the proposal than the trust will not be formed. Approval of the plans will also be subject to Department for Education “processes”.

A statement from the governors reads: “The governing body concluded that the trust was in the best interests of the school and its pupils.

“This is because of the opportunities it allows to embed and deepen collaboration within the security of a long term partnership.

“This collaboration can help to increase educational opportunities, reduce costs, and improve our ability to influence other partners because we can speak with a single voice.

“Staff terms and conditions would be protected as previously stated.”

Placard-bearing members of the Brent branch of the National Education Union, including the national body’s general secretary Kevin Courtenay, gathered outside the meeting to protest against the proposal.

The protestors were addressed by Brent Cllr Jumbo Chan, a voice against the proposal from the start, who praised their stand.

Strikes have taken place several times outside the school gates over the past few months, as well as in Brent Civic Centre.