“There are teachers, parents and governors who are deeply concerned at what appears to be a headlong rush to be an academy.

“There may well be advantages but I have been approached by parents of children from both Salendine Nook and Lindley Junior who feel that they have not been included in the decision making.

“Furthermore, parents from Lindley Juniors came as a deputation to the last council meeting as they were so worried.”

Clr Stanfield added: “From my conversations with parents, staff and governors at both schools it appears the main reason schools are opting to become academies is the belief they will get more money at a time when schools are facing savage cuts.

“Our whole future depends on the quality of our schooling and the decision making process should not be in the hands of the governors alone.”

The Examiner contacted Lindley Juniors yesterday to ask if head teacher Pat Thompson wished to comment on Clr Stanfield’s concerns. No response was forthcoming.

The Examiner contacted Salendine Nook High yesterday to ask if head teacher Christine Spencer wished to comment on Clr Stanfield’s concerns. There was no response.