Responsible department: Department of Education

The Government is forcing academy status onto Roke Primary School in Kenley against the wishes of parents, staff, governors and the wider community.
The Government’s chosen sponsor is the Harris Federation. This means, the school will be removed from local authority control and handed to the Harris Federation, led by Lord Harris, Carpetright businessman, personal friend of David Cameron and major Tory donor.

The government seized control after one unsatisfactory Ofsted report. The issues raised in the report have been rectified. This good school is not consistently failing. The Guardian published an article suggesting Michael Gove is flouting his own rules. Forced schools should be underperforming over a long time.

I believe a school should only become an academy with full support of governors and parents, without bullying tactics employed. There should be right of appeal. Schools should have a right to choose their preferred academy sponsor, the best fit for their ethos and circumstances.

I would like the Department of Education to reconsider its proposal to enforce academy status onto Roke primary School and other non-failing schools that do not choose to convert.

To read our story, please go to www.saveroke.co.uk

Roke Parents STRONGLY OBJECT to:
1) Total lack of consultation about our children’s education
2) Our zero right to appeal
3) The speed and manner in which our school has been railroaded into becoming an academy
4) The Government’s choice of sponsor

Please tweet and help our campaign @saveroke #saveroke WWW.SAVEROKE.CO.UK Contact: media@saveroke.co.uk