Primary school staff at Southborough Primary School in Bromley went on strike yesterday to protest against the proposed academisation of their school. The National Education Union (NEU) members expressed their concerns about the transfer of management from Bromley council to the Pioneer Academy trust. NEU branch secretary Izzy Hickmet stated that staff felt as though the decision was forced upon them without proper consultation.
John Friend, a senior regional officer at NEU, joined the picket line in support of the staff. He emphasized that the members were worried about the implications of the transfer on payroll and HR services. The staff believed that being funded by the council offered them a sense of security that they might not have with the academy trust.
Despite being informed about a consultation period for the proposal, staff and parents felt that they were not adequately consulted before the plans were put into motion. Mr. Friend highlighted the lack of meaningful investigation into the possibility of keeping the school under council management, describing the process as “premeditated.”
The union has requested an extension of the consultation period until February and urged the school to explore all available options. However, their demands have not been met thus far. A public meeting is scheduled for November 6 to engage with parents and discuss the situation further.
Councillor Kate Lymer from Bromley council expressed disappointment over the strike action, stating that the Interim Executive Board (IEB) has been working to address concerns at the school. She emphasized the improvements in education quality under the IEB’s oversight and the additional support provided by The Pioneer Academy. The council’s priority is to ensure that students continue to receive a high-quality education.
The NEU’s decision to strike has caused disruption for families and children, and the council has called for the reversal of the decision. Both Pioneer Academy and Southborough Primary School have been approached for comment on the matter. The situation remains unresolved as stakeholders continue to navigate through the challenges of academisation and the concerns raised by the school staff and parents.
