Sir – One of the iniquities of the academy system was highlighted in the survey of countywide A-level results, by Oxford Academy not supplying any figures and, moreover, the head flatly refusing any comments other than that students had done well. Parents and teachers throughout the county should be made fully aware that academies are solely accountable to the Secretary of State; they do not have to respond to any request for information about the school from local sources.
Should schools countywide respond to councillor Tilley’s aspiration that they become academies, it will mean that swathes of the community will be cut off from any information about their school’s performance. These schools are entirely funded by us as taxpayers. It is disgraceful that, as of right, we cannot learn how our taxes are being spent, or their effectiveness.
Martin Sheldon, Headington Quarry
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here