Union Suggests Council Takes Schools ‘In-House’

A teaching union says a council should consider ‘taking control’ of some schools in North Northamptonshire as an academy trust is to close.

Loatlands Primary and Havelock infants and junior schools in Desborough, Naseby CofE Primary School, Rothwell Infant and Junior school, Rushton and Wilbarston CofE primaries and Hawthorn Primary in Kettering are part of Pathfinder Schools.

The Trust announced earlier this month it is to shut, with the intention to move all schools to other academy trusts.

However, Alan Hackett from the NASUWT union says North Northamptonshire Council could take the schools ‘in-house’:

Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said: “We are fully aware that the Pathfinder Schools Trustees have made the difficult decision to transfer all the Pathfinder Schools to other multi academy Trusts and cease the operation of the Trust.

“As with all of their decisions, the best interests of their pupils and their education is at the heart of this.

“Trustees are unanimous in the view that the decision to transfer their schools to other Trusts will enable each of their schools to be in a Trust where there are greater levels of capacity to support them.

“The DfE are aware of these plans and they continue to work closely with them.

“At this stage, a new trust/trusts have not been confirmed and neither we, nor the Trust, can provide a timetable for the transfer of schools. Alongside them, we anticipate that this will develop at pace throughout the remainder of this academic year.

“We will fully support them while they will be working proactively with new partner trusts, as these are confirmed, to ensure a smooth transition for the maximum benefit to all pupils.”

Schools’ Academy Trust To Close