Public meeting on Woodingdean Primary School academisation proposals

The council is inviting Woodingdean residents to a public meeting next week to discuss Woodingdean Primary School’s proposal to join the Eko Academy Trust. 

The meeting is taking place between 7.30pm and 9.30pm on Wednesday 25 June at the Woodingdean Community Centre, Warren Road, BN2 6BA.

Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Youth Services will be leading the meeting, which will also be attended by senior education officers from the council.

The Woodingdean Primary School leadership team and governing body have also been invited, alongside union representatives.

The aim is to provide a forum for the community to share views on the school’s proposal to academise with the Eko Trust and an opportunity to ask any questions about the process and the possible implications.

If you’d like to come along, please book your place through the Woodingdean Primary School academisation proposal meeting listing on eventbrite.

There are 85 places available.

Listening to the community

Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said: “We’re disappointed to learn about Woodingdean Primary School’s proposals to join an academy trust.

“We have organised this public meeting to give the community the opportunity to discuss the proposals and share their views.

“Academisation leads to fragmentation of the education system in the city and removes accountability from local communities and parents.

“We are seeing an unprecedented reduction in the number of primary-aged children in the city. Joining a trust does not create more children – and fewer children means schools have fewer funds available.

“We’re keen to work with all school leaders in the city and learn from what has been a challenging situation for many schools over the past few years.

“We’re keen to work together to make sure we’re doing all we can to safeguard the future of the city’s schools.”