The Archdiocese of Liverpool has cancelled a key meeting as it responds to growing pressure over plans to place hundreds of Merseyside schools into new academy trusts. The ECHO revealed earlier this year that the Archdiocese intends to transfer 230 schools in Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, Widnes and further afield into three Catholic multi-academy trusts.
Archbishop's vision and opposition
Speaking at the time, Archbishop John Sherrington said: "Catholic education is very important because we are educating these children, these young people, in the context of the Church, in the context of their religious faith."
But the planned reform, and the way some feel it is being pushed through with limited consultation, has sparked a growing revolt. Teachers at St Anthony of Padua Primary School in Mossley Hill have carried out three days of strike action in objection, supported by parents of many children at the school.
NEU meeting and strike warning
A specially organised meeting by the National Education Union, held last week, heard from many across Liverpool who are increasingly unhappy with the proposals, with a warning that city-wide strike action could follow. One key issue raised is the feeling that governors of individual schools have no choice but to accept the academy plans, with some claiming they will be removed if they go against the Archbishop's will.
A regular meeting of the chairs of governors of schools within the Archdiocese was due to take place today (August 14), but was cancelled just a day before.
Response to MP Maria Eagle
At the same time, the Archdiocese has issued a lengthy response to Liverpool Garston MP Maria Eagle, who was present at last week's NEU meeting and has raised concerns about the proposals, affecting a school in her constituency and another where residents she represents are affected.
The Archdiocese letter to Ms Eagle, from director of education Joan McCarthy, said: "The Archdiocese recognises that decisions regarding academy conversion are significant for schools, staff, parents and the wider school community and that stakeholders care deeply about the future of the school."
It added: "We are committed to ensuring the appropriate consultation processes are followed and that stakeholders are given an opportunity to meaningfully express their views and raise relevant questions before a final decision is made."
This may have come as news to some parents of children at St Anthony of Padua, who claim they were repeatedly denied a meeting with school and Archdiocese leaders until teachers had voted to go on strike. They did eventually have such a meeting in September, but told the ECHO they were given the strong impression that these plans would go through as it was the will of the Archbishop.
In her letter to Ms Eagle, Ms McCarthy added: "The purpose of the proposal is to strengthen collaboration between schools, support school leadership, develop opportunities for staff and help ensure that Catholic education remains sustainable and effective for future generations."
Outlining the Archbishop's vision, she added: "The Archbishop has spoken of the need to build together as a family of schools and has expressed his support for the academy framework as a means of protecting and strengthening Catholic education for the benefit of pupils."
Parents have told the ECHO they feel there has not been enough time to consult on such fundamental changes to how their children's schools will be run. The letter says the Archdiocese appreciates that some parents and staff "may have preferred a longer consultation period in which to consider the proposals and those views have been noted."
The letter adds that the Archdiocese "recognises that there are differing views regarding academisation within both school communities", adding: "The Archbishop respects the right of parents, staff and others to express those views and recognises the importance of ensuring that they are appropriately considered within the statutory process."
