Hamstead Hall School Strikes against Academy Status

Over half of the teaching staff were on strike today, as the school NUT members walked out for one day in opposition to the Head and Governing Body’s push for academy status. There was a large and spirited picket line, which was joined at one stage by many of the school pupils. Many passing motorists honked and waved in support, and messages of support have been coming in from far and wide.

This action was taken as NUT members felt their concerns and opposition were being completely ignored. At a meeting with the head a few days ago, there was a refusal to engage with the NUT officer present in any shape or form. There has been no meaningful consultation with parents, and a one-sided presentation in favour of academy status is all that has been offered, to pupils and others alike. In a recent school assembly, about why people do things…