Local MP calls for for an immediate halt to the planned privatisation of Peacehaven Community School11/6/2019
Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP
Yesterday I wrote to the Leader, Education lead and the Director of Children’s Services of East Sussex County Council calling for an immediate halt to the planned privatisation of Peacehaven Community School. In the letter I said we have serious concerns about PCS joining a multi-academy trust because: 1. Academy schools can employ unqualified teachers 2. There is no extra money for becoming an academy school 3. The Swale Academies Trust pays £1 million per year to its CEO and senior management structure from school budgets, which means less money will reach the classroom 4. Multi-academy trusts are less accountable to parents and the community 5. Nationally, academy schools have a higher turnover of staff and the fact that staff at PCS have already taken 3 days of strike action suggests they will leave in droves if Swale takes over 6. PCS was rated “Good” by Ofsted in October 2018 so there is no need to join a multi-academy trust 7. We are concerned about who will be responsible for paying the £40 million PFI bill for the building after conversion 8. Becoming an academy school is a permanent decision that cannot be reversed I was joined by the MP for Lewes Maria Caufield as well as Labour, Conservative and Independent members of Peacehaven Town Council. I hope that East Sussex County Council will hear our concerns and cease their plans immediately and I will update constituents when I get a response. 
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