I have had a number of parents contact me about appealing school places offered today. Appeals should be sent to [email protected], but please do copy me in at [email protected] or use my contact form.
Cumberland council has actively prevented investment to create new school places in Workington Academy through new developments. I have written to the council a number of times in recent years to raise this with them.
I have been clear - I am a staunch defender of faith schools of all types, but the council would simply not countenance only opening places in Islamic or Jewish schools for example. School choice includes the inalienable right of a parent to choose a school close to their community that is not of religious character. I’m increasingly concerned at the proselytisation in which the council seems actively engaged.
Faith schools are already conferred an advantage by virtue of the fact that the council must provide subsidised transport to school for children of that particular faith living more than two miles away, but who choose to attend the schools by virtue of their religious character. This is not an option available to those not of the same faith as the school's character.
Listed below are the various representations I have made in relation to §106 education contributions 👇
