Headteacher says admission charge would lead to 'a more level playing field' (From Warrington Guardian)

Headteacher says admission charge would lead to 'a more level playing field'

SANDBACH High School and Sixth Form College headteacher John Leigh has attacked the 'bullying and intimidation' that has resulted from his school's pursuit of Foundation Status.

Mr Leigh said it was important for people to be told the full facts about foundation status and what it would bring his school.

He emphasised that the school was not opposed to collaboration with the boys school, but said it would have to be 'meaningful and purposeful'.

He explained: "Unjustly we are portrayed as being against collaboration but what does "collaboration" mean?

"Meaningful and purposeful collaboration means a single sixth form across two sites, with a single head of sixth form, a single college prospectus, a single management body, a single student identity, a single set of assessment procedures etc., as proposed by this school and rejected by Sandbach School.

"We believe a student, irrespective of gender, should be enrolled at the school where they predominantly study."

Foundation status would give the school governors control over its admissions - allowing them to pursue proposals to admit boys at sixth form level.

Mr Leigh said that the school's pursuit of foundation status would not affect its 'no selection' policy, would enable support staff to avoid proposed salary reductions, and would allow more control over school buildings.

He added: "As an independent school, Sandbach (Boys) School enjoys considerably more freedom than any foundation school.

"They enjoy the benefits and flexibility of being able to direct resources to locally identified priorities, and it is that which we seek for our school.

"We are not seeking preferential treatment, simply a measure of equality and a more level playing field."