School is already achieving excellent results (From Northwich Guardian)

Hartford High School is already achieving excellent results - why make it a faith school?

7:20am Wednesday 18th January 2012 in Your Letters

I AM writing to register my objection to the proposed change of status of Hartford High School to a Church of England school.

I live in the centre of Hartford, have two school-age children and am a teacher. While I suspect that this change may well already be a fait accompli, I nevertheless feel compelled to comment on the proposals.

The reasons given for such a change are as follows: 1. The proposal would enable greater parental choice. This argument is at best ridiculous and at worst embarrassing. How anyone can argue that creating a school with a particular religious bias could in any way improve parental choice is quite simply beyond me. Hartford High is currently the only state comprehensive school in Hartford without such a bias. The only other schools in the village are private and Catholic, neither of which are options for most people.

2. It would aim to serve the community by providing education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It would also promote a caring approach to teaching, encouraging good behaviour and developing a sense of right and wrong, encourage appreciation and respect for other faiths, beliefs and practices. It would also pursue the highest standards of achievement and personal development within a climate that values the unique talents of each child and adult.

Aside from the points about Christianity and faith, it would be safe to assume that any good school would be doing this already.

Indeed, according to the school’s own website this is in fact the case. The quotes from Mike Holland, head teacher, are taken directly from the Hartford High School website, ‘Hartford High School is a safe and caring school with demanding expectations and high standards.

‘Our students leave us as independent, flexible learners determined to take responsibility for themselves and their actions and make positive contributions to others’.

If the school is in fact already achieving these things, why is there a need for change?

If, however, there were a need for change, where is the evidence that, merely by becoming a C of E school, academic or moral improvement will follow?

3. The school will need to be sure that there is local support. Where is the evidence of local support? I live in Hartford and have not been consulted. Merely announcing a meeting does not constitute meaningful consultation.

It is clear to me that this proposal fails on every count, which leaves me puzzled as to why it has come so far. If the council handles this matter correctly, disregarding political or other considerations, it must reject it out of hand. This change is not in the interest of children, parents or the wider community.

JOHN BAIRSTOW Hartford