School merger plans 'dead in water' as Brayton 'joins academy'

Controversial plans to force the merger of two major local high schools were sensationally dropped yesterday in a surprise move by school administrators.

Governors at Brayton High School delivered a hammer blow to plans for an amalgamation with the nearby Selby High when it announced a deal had been struck to join a multi-academy trust. Taking the school out of direct local authority control, the deal effectively renders plans of a merger dead on arrival.

Brayton is now embarking on a consultation with parents and students over a new plan that would see the troubled school join the West Yorkshire-based Rodillian Multi-Academy Trust. The move, the school says, would provide a solution that will serve both the short and long term requirements of Brayton High School students.

Letters have already been sent home to parents explaining the latest development and a series of 'town hall' style meetings are planned for parents and students for April.

A letter, signed by Julie Bury, Brayton governors' co-chair, told parents, "During our discussions, The Rodillian Academy was able to provide compelling evidence of their achievements to date, together with attractive teaching, curriculum and financial support options. In essence, the Rodillian Academy more than met the criteria we had set (including the retention of parental choice within the area) and offered a solution that is critical to the future growth and success of our school.

"As a result, it was agreed that the progression of this option better served both the short and long term interests of all stakeholders and, as such, an application was submitted to the [Department for Education] for Brayton High School to become part of this Multi Academy Trust. This application was approved on 23rd March 2016."

The merger had been the favoured option of North Yorkshire County Council education chiefs who had been accused of attempting to force its will on students, parents and staff at both schools in the face significant rising opposition. 

In a bitter statement, the authority said, "The Local Authority is very concerned and disappointed that, without any apparent dialogue or debate with the public, students, staff or the Local Authority, this academy order has been made. In contrast, the Local Authority had completed a detailed statutory consultation process, holding well attended public meetings and undertaking research with local students, to openly debate the need and options for change.

"Selby High School and the Local Authority have committed significant time, energy and resources to supporting improvement work at Brayton High School and to finding a solution for pupils in the local community. That input and expertise will not now be available to continue necessary improvement work at the school.

"The Regional Schools Commissioner/Department for Education, the Governing Body and the proposed academy trust have chosen not to engage with those who have been working closely to support improvement at the school and to find ways forward. We are deeply concerned as a result. In the context of last week’s White Paper, this is an example of the potential risk of a fragmentation of existing educational provision focussed around local communities.

"The Local Authority would like to take this opportunity to thank the headteacher, staff and governors of Selby High School for their professional generosity in directly supporting Brayton High School and engaging positively in the consultation process."

The news meanwhile has been greeted by delight by the area's MP. Welcoming the news, Nigel Adams (Con, Selby & Ainsty) said, “I’m very pleased that the governing body of Brayton High School has agreed to the school joining the Rodillian Academy Trust and this has now been formally approved by the Department for Education.  The merger with Selby High School, as proposed by North Yorkshire County Council will now not take place.”