Why can’t we have an ordinary community school?
According to the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) Lambeth has surplus places in secondary schools. These places are almost entirely at Stockwell Park and Lilian Baylis, and they are not Year 7 places. But these places exist, sometimes only on paper, and the DfES therefore says Lambeth doesn’t have a “basic need” for a new school and won’t get funding for new community schools.
Why has Lambeth proposed another Christian school?
To get DfES funding for a City Academy, a borough puts forward a brief—like what you’d give a dating agency. Lambeth didn’t ask for the date that local parents wanted: they asked for an 11-16 school, and didn’t say that Lambeth doesn’t have enough non-denominational places. MP Keith Hill has told us his constituents want another Christian school, in spite of all the evidence SSCIL has given him. What do you think?
Who will own the school?
The sponsor, under a contract with the DfES.
Who pays for the school?
The taxpayer pays everything except for the sponsor’s 2 million pound contribution to help build the school.
Who will get into the school?
It depends on the admissions criteria, which will be negotiated during the public consultation process and afterward. SSCIL is pushing for a feeder school strategy, so that children who attend local primary schools can go forward together in to secondary school in their neighborhood.
Who will run the school?
Good question. SSCIL believes that governance of the school is a key issue, and that there must be local accountability. There is no reason the school could not be run by a trust that is far removed from the community. We think this would be a bad mistake.
Who does the headteacher report to?
Again, it depends on the governance arrangements.
When will the school open?
Lambeth usually says September 2004, but sometimes admits the school could open in September 2003.
Where will it be?
On the Henry Thornton site in Clapham, just behind Lambeth College’s Clapham branch. This site is well positioned for children to walk or bike to school.
How big is it going to be?
Accepted wisdom is that it must be at least a six form entry school if it is to support a sixth form. Given that the proposed site is the only one available in the centre of the borough since the sale of Dick Shepherd school, we agree that the school should be a minimum six form entry.
Why is the Church Schools Company the right sponsor for Lambeth?
They have a good track record getting academic results from children attending fee-paying independent Christian schools. They are interested in running schools in inner cities, but they do not have any experience with this or with the state sector. It’s not clear yet whether they are the right sponsor for Lambeth.
How can I influence what the new school will be like?
SSCIL and the Lambeth Governors’ Forum has said that every parent in local primary schools should be consulted about the new school. Make sure your voice is heard loud and clear on the critical issues, and make sure you tell your MPs and councillors what you think. Consultation can be an empty exercise; we can’t let that happen with this school. The City Academy programme is new, the proposed sponsor untested and we need to be very clear about what we want.
What will its specialisation be?
Business studies or enterprise are being suggested. You can raise your voice on this issue too.
Who makes the decisions finally?
Lambeth council has to vote on the report from consultation in June. Because the DfES is in control of this whole CA programme, our MPs are critically important.
If you want to know more about SSCIL and how you can make a difference write to us at SSCIL.