Academy - no chance for Emmanuel

by Cobbler's apprentice

There is no chance of Emmanuel College sponsoring a new Academy at Consett due to the strength of local opposition, says a local councillor and school governor.
In a letter to the Journal, County Councillor Bob Young says that public consultation , governors, staff and parents, have all ruled out proposals for an Academy by Emmanuel, which is co-sponsored by businessman Reg Vardy and Bob Murray, former chairman of Sunderland FC.
Cllr Young, who is a governor at Moorside School, says that governors and elected representatives at the school will not agree to the creation of an Academy unless and until they are totally satisfied that an appropriate sponsor is approved by the local community and school governors. Trade unions have also expressed their opposition and will not give any support to Emmanuel College, he says.
"In making our own assessment, we believe that the County Council in partnership with Durham University could potentially provide a workable and acceptable way forward for the introduction of an Academy in Consett, but this will have to be worked up in conjunction with ourselves and including the co-operation of existing staff at both affected schools," says Cllr Young, "We are all trying collectively to find a formula for success that will stand the test of time for the benefit of our children now and for many future generations to come."