Hackney Council has launched a major education consultation aimed at shaping the future of the borough’s schools.
Over the past 15 years, Hackney’s schools have changed beyond recognition, transforming the educational opportunities for children in Hackney. The boroughs’ schools were once the worst in the country, now we have some of the very best.
However, changes to funding and Government policy, as well as rapid population growth, mean that our schools now face major challenges and, through Hackney: Schools For Everyone, the Council wants to find out what residents think of the current education system in Hackney, and what they would like it to look like in the future.
In particular, we want to find out what residents think about forced academisation, the Council’s role in Hackney’s schools, selection based on academic results and the role of parent governors.
A questionnaire is being delivered to every home in the borough and a series of events are planned for the coming months.
Deputy Mayor of Hackney, Cllr Anntoinette Bramble, said: “We are incredibly proud of what’s been achieved in Hackney over the last 15 years, and we want to ensure that these improvements continue. However, the education sector is facing huge challenges; the Government has a very clear agenda for schools, which would mean less local accountability and the Council playing less of a role in supporting schools. The Government also supports the reintroduction of grammar schools, which could mean school admissions based on academic achievement.
Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville said: “With so many changes being forced upon our schools, now is the right time to speak to parents, teachers and governors about the sort of education system they want in Hackney. The feedback we gather will help us to understand how people feel about the Governments’ education policies and how they want the Council to respond to them, so I’d urge everyone to take part and help to influence the future of education in our borough.”
The Hackney: Schools For Everyone consultation is open until 28 February. To complete the questionnaire online – and to find out about upcoming consultation events – visit consultation.hackney.gov.uk
