Gloucester councillors welcome education shake up

Plans to create a "true community comprehensive school" in Gloucester have moved a step closer.

Gloucester City Council has voted to support the creation of a city academy to replace Central Technology College and Bishops' College.

The proposals have sparked a wave of protests from parents – and senior clergy – who want to save Bishops' College.

Bishop of Gloucester Michael Perham said last night: "I think the official position of the Diocese and my own position is in three parts.

"Part one is that we do think the Government has been foolish in deciding to close Bishops' College without giving it longer to flourish.

"Secondly we think an academy could well be a real opportunity for Gloucester and for the children who are at Bishops' College and we are supportive of that but thirdly, we do think the timescale of having the academy by September is foolish.

"We think it should be slower so it can be sorted out with greater consultation and care."

The shake-up of the city's education system follows a report by Government inspector Graham Badman who has suggested the creation of a single city academy with up to £25m of Government money.

At a meeting of Gloucester City Council on Thursday, councillors backed the proposals.

Councillor Kate Haigh (Lab, Matson and Robinswood) introduced the debate with a motion which called for a new "true community comprehensive" for the city.

She said: "The young people of the city need to reach their full potential if the city is to continue to grow and to thrive.

"The academy is not only an investment in the education of our children but also an economic and social investment, bringing jobs, facilities and a community focus where they are needed most.

"This is an emotive issue, but what is important is that young people are given the opportunity they have been denied for so long, and I ask you to support this."

Councillor Paul James (Con, Longlevens), leader of the council, said: "We have no issue with the principle of an academy and believe it could be good for the city, and we certainly cannot leave things as they are.

"However, I do not believe we can make any hard and fast decisions without a full appraisal and consultation."

The council's Liberal Democrat group were not in favour of the motion.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton (Kingsholm & Wotton), said: "I do believe there is a need to do something about the quality of education in Gloucester to ensure the children can get what they deserve.

"However, I am not sure if these proposals are the right way to do this."

Councillor Steve Morgan (Con, Grange) said: "It is obvious something must be done here.

"Consultation must be held, but if I was a parent thinking about sending a child to a school I would expect the council to act and to act decisively."

The motion was carried, with both Labour and Conservative councillors supporting it, and the Liberal Democrat group voting against.

Jane Miles, parent governor and leader of Bishops' Colleges's parent voice group Impact said that they will continue to fight to keep the college open.

She said: "I am unsure whether the city councillors voting are fully aware of all the facts at Bishops'. They should leave this school alone and concentrate on the others who have not been so fortunate with help from elsewhere.

"If any academy were put in Gloucester I suggest it is filled with children that want to be there, rather than our children that love their place of learning and belonging."