Consultation responses overwhelmingly reject MAT plan –but governors plough on with it

A governing body is pressing on with plans to turn its federation of schools into a multi-academy trust –despite its official consultation on the move registering overwhelming opposition, with unhappiness seemingly particularly pronounced among its teachers.

The Leathersellers’ Federation of schools, in Lewisham, south London, has released the detail of consultation responses. This, according to a count by Education Uncovered, saw only four per cent of those responding registering support for the plan.

By contrast, 84 per cent of all responses were against the idea, with the figure rising to 96 per cent if “don’t know” or neutral contributions were not included.

The responses also show the proposal being opposed by the schools’ local Labour MP, while three unions, representing teachers and support staff, are also opposed to the plan. The federation, which produced its own official response to the consultation which cites only slightly more positive figures than the above, says it has taken on board the findings within its planning, although governors voted in favour of the MAT proposal at a meeting last week.

The federation’s schools are currently in the middle of 15 days of strike action against the proposals by teachers who are members of the National Education Union.