SIR –I am responding to the letter by Neil Laurenson ‘Academies? It’s not about raising standards’ (Worcester News, December 19).
As chairman of governors and company director of a local academy (Christopher Whitehead Language College) I can assure Worcester News readers that our inclusive, “outstanding”
(Ofsted) rated school is not run for private profit.
Contrary to Mr Laurenson’s remarks about enormous salaries and profit-taking by privatised firms, our school remains one run for the benefit of its pupils and the local community.
The original academies were converted ‘failing’ schools with commercial or other sponsors behind them.
The Government recognised the value of state schools such as ours, which converted recently, for their outstanding contribution to local education.
Management of Christopher Whitehead Language College is undertaken by its salaried staff, supported by unpaid volunteers on its governing body, some of whom, for administrative purposes are unpaid ‘directors’.
Our carefully considered decision to opt for academy conversion was not taken for private profit.
Our goal was to secure the best possible educational opportunities for our pupils and raise attainment standards through greater flexibility and choice in using the decreasing public funds available to the school for the benefit of its pupils and hardworking staff.
KATHRYN BENTLEY
Chairman of governors, Christopher Whitehead Language College, Worcester
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