THE REASONS behind Shelley College’s controversial expansion drive have finally been unveiled.
The school describes its plans as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to extend educational choice in our community.”
The academy has produced a 20-page consultation document entitled Improving Standards, which it will circulate to parents and other interested parties on Monday.
Shelley sets out its case for wanting to include Year 7 and 8 pupils from September 2014 right at the beginning of the document.
The college claims its plan would:
Increase parental choice
Improve academic standards
Provide the highest levels of teacher expertise in specialist facilities
Provide an outstanding curriculum
Support young people with the very best pastoral care and advice.
But its claims also include barbed comments about the existing three-tier system of education in the area.
The move has prompted a furore in the area – especially among staff and parents at Scissett Middle School and Kirkburton Middle School.
They fear their highly-praised schools will suffer by the potential loss of hundreds of pupils.
The publication of the document marks the beginning of the academy’s official consultation period when the public and relevant bodies are invited to have their say.
As Shelley College converted to an academy last year, it is no longer governed by Kirklees Council. If the academy’s governors approve the plans, the final decision will rest with Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education.
In a statement, Shelley Principal John McNally and the governors said: “There has also been a lot of speculation about our motives for offering places in Year 7. We can categorically state our proposals are about standards.
“Our consultation document provides data and facts to illustrate that Shelley College’s fantastic progress over the last three years is down to our own endeavours, not because of students’ standards at entry.
“Our agenda is not about money. Shelley Academy Trust is a charitable company and we do not make profits. Nor is this about the salary or power of an individual.
“When analysing performance at the end of Year 5 compared to the end of Year 6, there is evidence to show that some pupils make no progress, or in some cases actually dip.
“Contrary to statements made by some campaigners, the only meaningful data available to judge the performance of our middle schools comes in the form of national Key Stage 2 test data. Sadly, they are considerably below national averages in this respect.”
On Page One of the document, Shelley College uses the word “excellence” six times in one paragraph.
It states: “We believe in excellence. Excellence in our pastoral care, excellence in our teaching, excellence in academic standards, excellence in our facilities and excellence in our support for each child and their aspirations.
“We have the capacity and the potential to provide a secondary education of the very highest quality that meets the individual needs of every learner and helps each child to be the best that they can be.”
The document claims Shelley’s GCSE pass rates are currently at least 16% higher than national benchmarks while Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11) results in the pyramid are currently about 6% below national benchmarks.
It claims that in 2009, only 54% of students gained five GCSE grades A* to C, including English and maths, compared with 81% this year.
The results for five GCSE passes in any subject are even more impressive, having risen from 71% of pupils three years ago to 98% this year.
DATES and venues have been announced for Kirklees Council’s own consultation into the Shelley College plans.
Officials have set up a series of 10 public meetings to be held in villages around south east Huddersfield.
But the Kirklees consultation is non-statutory and can only lead to comments being passed to the Shelley College governors.
It has been set up by the council in response to the huge public reaction to Shelley College’s plans to take in Year 7 and 8 pupils.
It will run alongside the statutory consultation being run by the academy. Both processes begin on Monday.
Kirklees Council wants to hear views concerning schools in the Shelley Pyramid. These will help to shape future planning and will form part of the council’s response to the college’s consultation.
A booklet will also be available as a hard copy and online within the next few days.
The council will provide background information at the meetings, where members of the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and voice their opinions.
A Kirklees spokesman said: “No decisions or firm plans have been made about changes to any schools in the area.
“Shelley College governors will decide in due course whether to proceed with their proposal to change admission arrangements.
“The views gathered through the council consultation will be used to inform any future planning, in partnership with the Diocese of Wakefield and schools within the Shelley Pyramid.”
Clr Peter O’Neill, Cabinet member for children’s services, added: “The full consultation booklet is almost complete, but we thought it was important to release these event details as soon as possible, allowing everyone to plan ahead.
“We know this is a highly important issue for many children, young people and families.
“We want as many people as possible to get involved in the consultation and share their views – the feedback we receive will be important.”
