Ark Merger: Opinion Split
Following a six-week consultation process reviewing the proposal to merge Ark William Parker and Ark Helenswood Academies, the Ark company has released results of an online and paper-based survey conducted locally. There were 107 responses: the results are set out in full here. They show no clear majority either in favour or opposed. The proposal to name the newly merged school Ark St Helens Academy, if it proceeds, finds less favour, though again without a clear majority disapproving.
The consultation may appear democratic but, as with a recent national referendum that seems to be in the news a lot, the respondents had little to go on except gut instinct to either trust or distrust those who will implement the proposed programme. With regard to the merger, no alternative programme was offered for dealing with the current problems of the two schools – falling rolls, low teaching morale and, in the case of William Parker, negative OFSTED reports criticising both the quality of teaching and the poor behaviour of pupils.
As to the prospective name, why not offer an alternative? It might have been interesting to hear whether respondents would have preferred to keep the historic name of William Parker (dating back to the founding of the school in the seventeenth century) or whether indeed it was the ‘Ark’ prefix that many find objectionable.
But of course this was no referendum. From Ark’s perspective the basic decision has already been taken and only requires the approval of the Department of Education to proceed. The stated aims of the consultation were to explain the rationale of the merger to all ‘stakeholders’ and get their ‘feedback’, to ‘reassure parents that their children’s interests were paramount and would be protected’, and to inform staff of the intended process and the ‘timeframe for any subsequent consultation on a new staffing structure’.
To this end they conducted a very full calendar of separate meetings with the local governing body, staff, trade unions, both borough and county councils, parents, students, heads of local primary schools, and others. There were also two public meetings: for a report on these click here.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this article. The future of our volunteer led, non-profit publication would be far more secure with the aid of a small donation. You can also support local journalism by becoming a friend of HIP. It only takes a minute and we would be very grateful.
Leave a Reply