Elmwood School - NO TO ACADEMISATION!!!
The Walsall TUC, works to protect the status of the teaching profession and deliver real improvements to teachers' and school leaders.
Posted 06/03/2025 10:44:48
In March staff, union members, and community supporters gathered outside Elmwood School to protest its proposed transition into a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Concerns raised included budget reductions, job security, loss of local governance, and a lack of transparency in the decision-making process.
Key Concerns Raised by Staff & Unions
Staff are worried that the percentage taken from the school’s budget by the MAT (top-slice) will be higher than what the Local Authority currently deducts. This could lead to fewer resources and opportunities for pupils.
Job Security & Working Conditions
A reduced budget could result in staff redundancies and worsening terms and conditions. Brian Hepburn, stated:
“We’re concerned that our budget will actually end up going down because the percentage they take from our top slice will be more than the local authority. That’s going to affect opportunities for the pupils. And with that budget drop, jobs could be at risk.”
Lack of Transparency & Democratic Control
Protesters highlighted that staff have been waiting five months to review the MAT’s policies, raising concerns about hidden clauses or unfavourable conditions. The transition would also mean the loss of a governing body, shifting power away from local stakeholders.
No Union Agreement in Place
There is currently no agreement between the MAT and any of the unions, which is particularly concerning given the specific needs of the pupils and the importance of staff representation. Dan Whittaker, another staff member, added: “If there are fewer staff and worse conditions, then there are fewer resources available for the children. That’s the key issue.”
Community Response & Atmosphere
The picket saw strong support from staff, parents, and trade unionists, with banners, leaflets, and discussions about the impact of the MAT transition. Parents expressed concerns about how the changes could affect their children’s education, while local activists emphasised the importance of keeping education fair, funded, and locally accountable.
Brian Hepburn (NEU Member):
“We’ve been waiting five months to look at the policies, so what’s being hidden? This whole process has been undemocratic.”
Shahin Akhtar (Walsall TUC Secretary): “Academisation threatens staff conditions, jobs, and local decision-making. We must stand together to protect education.”
Before the picket, union representatives met with the Local Authority to discuss the concerns raised. The discussion focused on:
✅ Ensuring financial transparency in the transition process
✅ Reviewing employment protections and job security for staff
✅ Addressing the delay in sharing MAT policies
✅ Establishing clear agreements with trade unions before any decisions are finalised The unions will now put these discussions to their members for review. Further industrial action remains a possibility if staff and community voices continue to be ignored.
Sharon Guy Secretary of NEU Walsall Branch shares:
"Keep our speacial schools within the local authority, our children's future will be impacted if academisation goes through as profits will be priority over the childrens education''
#StrikeAction #NoToAcademisation #Solidarity #SaveElmwood
