‘SAVE OUR SCHOOL!’ Communities need local schools. Save Baverstock! @SaveBaver #Birmingham pic.twitter.com/Fl4KXhiwp7
— Momentum South Bham (@MomentumSBham) January 30, 2017
The community turned out in force tonight to make clear to a senior education official that they say “No” to the threatened closure of Baverstock Academy in Druids Heath.
According to campaigners, around 450 people, of all political colours, turned out to a protest rally against the proposed closure, while Regional Schools Commissioner Christine Quinn met with parents and staff inside the school as part of a month long consultation. Local residents, parents, carers and pupils past and present, stood alongside politicians and activists to demand that the government “Save Baverstock”.
The school was first judged inadequate during an OFSTED inspection in 2014. In 2015, the Education Funding Agency also identified financial issues at the school and issued a ‘Notice to Improve’.
In June 2016, LEAP Academy Trust who run the school asked the Secretary of State for Education for permission to close the school. A further OFSTED report, in October 2016, concluded that the school was still ‘inadequate’ and it remains in ‘Special Measures’.
After being unable to find another sponsor to take over the Academy due to the financial and educational challenges it presents, the Regional Schools Commissioner has now opened a period of consultation before the Secretary of State makes a final decision.
Last week, the Department for Education responded to a petition presented in parliament by MP Steve McCabe (Birmingham Selly Oak, Labour) stating that a final decision will not be made until after the consultation ends on February 7th. The response, from School Standards Minister Nick Gibb, said: “The Department will ensure that children’s education is not disrupted and will work with the LEAP Academy Trust and the local authority to identify alternative places for students where needed.”
Tonight, the community demanded that Education Secretary Justine Greening MP Save Baverstock School from closure.
Submit your views:
Parents, carers, staff or anyone else with an interest can submit their views to the Regional Schools Commissioner by:
- Email: wmacademy.responses@education.gov.uk
- Write: Office of the Regional Schools Commissioner for the West Midlands,
Earlsdon Park,
53-55 Butts Road,
Coventry
CV1 3BH. - Responses must be received by Tuesday 7th February 2017.
The community spoke tonight! No to closure of Baverstock! @JustineGreening pic.twitter.com/GHgLZCvqzD
— Save Baverstock (@SaveBaver) January 30, 2017
Great turn out for @SaveBaver tonight 400+ Hands off Baverstock!!! No more academies @JustineGreening pic.twitter.com/y2mn2GuWbT
— nicky
(@nickyebrennan) January 30, 2017
(@nickyebrennan) Fantastic to see a cross-party turnout tonight at the @SaveBaver rally – vitally important academy in the community! @adamhiggs5 pic.twitter.com/e5Jwj4mz4i
— Thomas Coffey (@ThomasOCoffey) January 30, 2017
At the @SaveBaver demonstration. This community wants to keep their school. #DruidsHeath: pic.twitter.com/72kh7Z8Gzo
— Claire Spencer (@thedancingflea) January 30, 2017
Across the political divide Cllrs came to @SaveBaver, thank you for supporting our school and community
— EvaPhillips (@EvaPhillips) January 30, 2017
.@B31Voices the turn out was amazing all ages past and present students a credit to the community https://t.co/Bi2zmQMvSm
— andy (@CLLRAndyC) January 30, 2017