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H:\PJD\Academy\Ac.Ltr.v01-Jan2013-ULJ.docx
1st February 2013
Dear Parent/Carer and Student, Wallasey School – Informal consultation on becoming an Academy In recent years Wallasey School has gone from strength to strength, with record examination results currently sitting well above the Government National Floor Targets. In fact based on these results the School remains the most improved school on the Wirral. During that time we have benefited significantly from the support provided by Wirral Children and Young People`s department and wish it to be recognised that we have been very well served over the years in this respect. However under the current national educational framework we believe that for Wallasey School to continue to develop further the future is to become an Academy. As you know recent government cuts mean that local authorities such as Wirral are suffering severe financial restrictions and no longer have the resources to support their schools as they used to do. To ensure that we can continue our strong growth in this changing situation Governors met on Monday 28th January and agreed to explore the opportunities that converting to Academy status might bring to our school. The majority of Wirral schools have already changed status or are actively pursuing the option. Governors believe it is time to consult with you to help them decide what action to take and what benefits would be available to the school and its students. We know that the Local Authority is under extreme financial pressure and may find its support to schools compromised as a result. Academy status provides schools greater freedom to manage their own affairs, how a school is organised, and importantly, in securing additional funding to support our core purpose to provide high quality learning and opportunities for young people. Governors feel that the time is right to evaluate the future of the school in the light of the changing educational scene and assess the benefits that would support all of our students. Having greater autonomy may also further develop the significant academic improvements we have made over recent years. An example of this would be the freedom to innovate and determine a curriculum that meets the needs of our students and our wider community.