Sir – Contrary to the impression given in last week’s issue (Minister’s blow to Oxford academy plan opponents), there is no indication that Secretary of State Ed Balls will actually approve the local authority’s proposal to replace Oxford School with an academy.
Indeed, Vernon Coaker’s letter actually seeks to distance the Government from the choice of the United Learning Trust (ULT) as sponsor; this is “a local matter”, as are decisions over the sustainability of Oxford School’s very significant improvements in attainment this year — including an outstanding provisional Contextual Value Added score of 1024, higher than any secondary school in the county achieved in 2008 — and whether to close the school (which has to happen before an academy can be opened in its place).
I’m very interested to know in what way ULT are “working hard” on the Oxford scheme”.
Certainly the governors I have spoken to know nothing of any work ULT might be doing. Without the Secretary of State’s approval of the proposal there is, in fact, nothing for ULT to work on.
Ian Bellchambers, Oxford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here