Is there anyone who will defend Academy Schools?

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

Is there anyone who will defend Academy Schools?

In Wellingborough and other parts of Northamptonshire, and indeed over the UK as a whole, many schools are being encouraged by the government to become academy schools. This is a vitally important issue for the future of all our children and local communities.

Wellingborough Labour party and the group Independent Socialists in Wellingborough are planning to organise a debate on this issue. There is one problem, however. To date it has not been possible to find anyone who will speak in support of academies, despite numerous approaches to organisations such as the United Learning Trust (who run several academies in the County), local Headteachers, Wellingborough & East Northants MP Peter Bone and the leader of Wellingborough Council.

The debate is due to take place on Wednesday, May 16th at 7.30pm in the Victoria Centre, Palk Road, Wellingborough NN8 1HT. It will be open to everyone interested in the future of our children's eduction.

The only speaker confirmed to date will be speaking against academies; Eddie Fairplay, a headteacher from London and Vice-Chair of the Socialist Education Association.

The independent Chair for the debate will be Martin Heath of BBC Radio Northampton.

If anyone wishes to offer themselves as a pro-Academies speaker we would be delighted to hear from them. Contact Mike Matthews: telephone 07749996364 or email to: mikematthews@ntlworld.com

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For further information contact:

Mike Matthews: telephone 07749996364 or email to: mikematthews@ntlworld.com

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