Sam Townend for Bristol North West

Chaos on St. Ursula’s Academy School bid

There is chaos and uncertainty today about whether St. Ursula’s Catholic private school has made a decision to apply to become a state Academy school.

This confusion has been caused by the Conservative candidate and new Chair of Governors, Charlotte Leslie, telling a meeting of 150 residents in Westbury on Trym on Monday that the School is making an expression of interest to become an Academy School.

On the breakfast programme on Radio Bristol this morning the head-teacher Lynette Carter said “At the moment the School will not be going down the Academy route- it is just an option” contradicting what Ms Leslie had said.

Before Ms Leslie made her announcement at the public meeting it is quite clear that parents at the school had not been consulted. 

Sam Townend, who also attended the public meeting says,  “This was not a passing comment by Ms Leslie.  She used this meeting to grandstand and make an announcement that St Ursula’s was making an expression of interest when it was clear that neither the Headteacher nor parents of the School were consulted or knew of the Decision. This is irresponsible and unfair on parents of the School and the parents at the meeting. 

 It is no coincidence that we are just weeks away from the General Election and in the words of one St Ursula’s parent [Linda Hall- who called into the programme] that Ms Leslie is acting as a loose cannon and acted on her own initiative for her own political ends.  Why not consult parents first and then make an announcement.  You have to question Ms Leslie’s judgment in using this matter for party political purposes”

Sam Townend will support St Ursula’s bid to become a state Academy, provided that it is free and open to all local parents and children.  Sam is of the view that the bid can only succeed with a Labour Government because Labour will ring-fence the school budget, whereas the Tories are pledged to a 15% cut.”