Adjudicator statement from today's full Council meeting

I want to start by saying, as Lead Member for Children’s Services how incredulous and angry I am at both the decision, the process and feedback we have had from Canon Linley, the schools adjudicator. I will explain why in a moment but first we need to remind ourselves of the background and vision we have for our children, young people and families in this city.

We may have different political views about the how and what but I know we are agreed on the why. We have seen remarkable, in fact nationally leading improvements in our education outcomes across the city. Where children do not reach their potential we work with governing bodies and school leaders to ensure that every child matters across our school system. We support and challenge and this robust relationship means we can look to the future, where all our children can aspire to learn in world class buildings, with world class resources and learning and teaching. This is their right, it is our moral purpose to ensure this and our duty as elected members to be the custodians
of this system. Now, more than ever, we must develop a world class education system to take us into the second decade of the C21st and beyond. I am talking legacy – a legacy that future generations can inherit and develop. There can be no greater responsibility and current opportunity for us as a city council.

It is this that makes me angry about the adjudicators decision, as it flies in the face of ensuring all our children have the opportunity to learn in world class buildings – that are assets to all families in the community, that underpin the social cohesion of our communities through giving purpose and structure for our young people. In fact he, in a single act has potentially doomed the children and young people in St George’s with little hope for the future – a small school, with no capital investment, with plateauing results, not working with others- this is not sustainable. We are city of rich diversity – this school has positioned itself as an island, against the wishes of the diocese. It makes me angry that the adjudicator sees fit to rule to keep this island, effectively giving up a once in a lifetime opportunity.

But this is only half of the issue. The adjudicator has seen fit, without any consultation and I believe advice, to include Harrop Fold High school in his ruling. I cannot and do not accept the premise that we should shut a rapidly improving school and take away the choice of a non faith education from the community. It is interesting to note that nearly half the children in St George’s are not catholic and many of our catholic primary school children in this community still leave the city for secondary education. Despite the divisive and offensive media campaign that the school head teacher has waged the council and schools have not got embroiled. I am therefore incredulous that based on only a partial analysis of our city and this community the adjudicator has ruled as he has.

So what does this mean for our children, young people and their families? My responsibility as Lead member is to all our children – whatever faith they have.

I am clear that we, as a council need to reflect, re engage and re work the future options with our schools, the diocese, government and our officers.

I want to be able to give all our communities clarity and the opportunity to benefit from a world class education opportunity – this adjudication has made that really difficult, but we in the labour group are clear that we will not stop in our endeavour. I look across the floor to colleague councillors to work with us to ensure that this once in a lifetime investment is not lost – it is our duty and purpose as elected members.