The headteacher could not respond “due to time constraints”, but the brochure sent out with ballot papers shows Governors putting forward the following arguments as to why Parkwood should become an Academy:
To raise pupil achievement…
Becoming an academy will help Parkwood build on its current strengths and success. In setting up a new school, all current ways of working at Parkwood will be re-examined with the questions “What more can Parkwood do and how can it be done better?”.
To secure a long-term future for Parkwood…
By becoming Parkwood’s sponsor, Edutrust will make a longterm commitment to Parkwood and the community it serves.
To benefit from partnership…
Edutrust is a not-for-profit charity established to promote educational excellence in schools. With its own professional network, Edutrust will also be able to draw on a wide range of expertise and bring a number of additional partnerships into the Academy.
To access more funding…
Edutrust will provide an endowment fund of £1.5 million to Parkwood. This fund will be managed by the Governing Body to benefit teaching and learning
To secure funding for a new building…
There is no significant funding available in the foreseeable future to provide new buildings other than by becoming an academy. A new building at Parkwood would mean that local pupils will be able to benefit from a top-class modern environment.
To gain the freedom to do things differently…
As independent state schools academies have greater flexibility and freedom.