Clr Molly Walton blasts ‘terrible’ academy policy as Moor End Technology College leaves Kirklees Council’s control

A FORMER governor spoke of her regret as a Huddersfield school took the final step to becoming an academy.

Councillors yesterday agreed to let Moor End Technology College break away from Kirklees.

But Cabinet member Clr Molly Walton spoke of her sadness at last night’s meeting.

The Crosland Moor and Netherton Labour woman said: “I was a governor at the school from the day it opened until a year ago.

“I don’t think the public understand how serious this change is in terms of removing power from local authorities.

“I think this is a terrible policy, but that’s not a reflection on the head teacher or the school.”

The council’s Labour cabinet voted unanimously to support the deal which allows Moor End to break away on June 1.

The move means the school will be funded directly by central government rather than Kirklees.

Moor End will set its own admissions policy and will become the employer of all staff.