Petition launched against proposed free school in Wembley
Arena House, where the Michaela Community School is proposed - Credit: Archant
Michaela Community School will be set up by Katharine Birbalsingh xx
Katharine Birbalsingh - Credit: Archant
Parents, teachers and residents have launched a petition against a proposed free school to be set-up in Wembley Park.
The petition says it is opposed to the Michaela Community School (MCS) and outlines a number of concerns about the proposal.
The petition’s launch coincides with the start of the consultation period into the school.
Among the concerns it lists are; the pressure its location will put on existing schools in the area, potential social segregation and a privatisation of education.
Free schools, which are championed by education secretary Michael Gove, can be set-up by any group of individuals who are then free to manage their own curriculum and admissions policies.
MCS will be set-up by fellow free school supporter Katharine Birbalsingh, who will be the head mistress.
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Previous attempts to set-up the school in Lambeth and Wandsworth have both been unsuccessful.
The petition reads: “We, the undersigned, oppose the setting up of the MCS. This could destroy other local schools.
“We believe that school places need to be planned and the setting up of a school to ‘compete’ with others is damaging to our communities.”
Two consultation meetings are being proposed for the school on Tuesday, March 26 and Thursday, April 4 at the Chalkhill Community Centre in Chalkhill Road, Wembley.
