Teachers in Coventry step up action over Academies

8 June Concern over the speed that some of Coventry's schools are taking to become Academies, was further highlighted today as Woodlands School was given the go ahead to become an Academy. This comes at a time when teachers at the school are taking industrial action to try and protect the future of comprehensive education.

Coventry Telegraph reported the latest action writing, "action at Tile Hill Wood takes place today (07/06/11) and tomorrow and staff will be joined at the Nutbrook Avenue site by NASUWT union members.

NUT members at Woodlands School in Broad Lane will stage their industrial action tomorrow (08/06/11) and Thursday.

Jane Nellist, joint divisional secretary of the Coventry branch of the NUT, said: �There is a growing concern about our schools becoming Academies and what that will mean for teachers and the pupils. There has been very little consultation with parents and the wider community.

�The fact that our members have decided to take further strike action indicates their worries regarding a whole host of issues, including pay and conditions.

�The NUT believes that this is the start of the privatisation process of our schools.�

A new website has been set up for all parents to find out more about what Academy status will really mean for the people of Coventry. Coventry Against Academies highlights that "a two-tier system could see students in some areas accessing a very different schooling to those in a different catchment area. A comprehensive education system should not discriminate in this way."

Teachers, parents and supporters will continue to raise awareness to the dangers of schools becoming Academies. Please help support teachers in their fight to save education from privatisation by emailing their union reps on [email protected] (THW), [email protected] (Woodlands) with messages of support, also email the chair of governors on [email protected] and raise your concerns about Academies.