Schools minister replies to Whitehaven Academy staff

Lord Nash has written to staff following their letter to the Government in November criticising failing leadership by Bright Tribe Trust, which runs the academy.

Staff agreed with Ofsted’s latest report, which they claim highlights “a lack of leadership support and school improvement, accompanied by significant under-investment in both the buildings and the facilities”.

Lord Nash replied to staff , saying “Every child deserves a good education, but it is clear from the report, that this is not the case and must be addressed swiftly.

“I’m disappointed some members of the NASUWT have taken strike action. I do not believe the interests of teachers or children are advanced by this. I urge you, as the staff body, to work with the trust to develop and implement the improvement plan at the academy.

“Any concerns you have should be raised with the trust. The priority must be for urgent and rapid improvement to be put in place by the sponsor and senior leaders at the academy.”

He said he is assured the trust is “providing significant additional support to the school” and he is also assured by Ofsted’s observations of the positive impact of Mr Turner.

“I encourage you to engage positively in discussions with the trust and work with the additional support provided by the trust and the new headteacher,” he said.

Lord Nash acknowledged concerns about the trust’s investment in the academy buildings, and said department officials visited the academy to identify issues and advise Bright Tribe on how to focus investment.

He highlighted the trust’s improvement programme which is underway.

“I assure you I am aware of the extent of the building issues and will endeavour to secure additional resource to support further improvement,” he added.

The Regional Schools Commissioner will regularly monitor progress at the academy.

“If she considers progress is not sufficiently rapid, she will not hesitate to take further action with the trust,” he added.