Parents, teachers and carers have voiced concern over plans to turn a Weymouth senior school into an academy.

Leaders announced in January that Budmouth College will be taken over by Aspiration Academy Trust – the same trust which operates Atlantic Academy on Portland.

It came after Budmouth was rated ‘inadequate’ in May 2018 and placed into special measures. It had previously been assessed as outstanding in 2010 and 2013.

Catherine Shaw, chairman of the Interim Executive Board (IEB), said at the time of the announcement that Budmouth had wanted the opportunity to come out of special measures and stay as a local authority school but this had not been possible.

Now, an online group of more than 370 people including parents and teachers are protesting the changes set to be brought in from September. Some fear there could be an impact on provisions for SEN (special educational needs) students and others are worried there will be a lack of transparency when the college is taken out of local authority control. Many have argued that they have already seen improvements at Budmouth.

The father of a Budmouth pupil who has Asperger’s syndrome and is dyslexic has expressed concerns that academies focus more on the behaviour of pupils, rather than their academic achievements.

He said: “My son has had wonderful support which has enabled him to get into sixth form. My first worry is that such support will disappear. When I went to the open evening the focus was totally on behaviour, there was nothing of achievements. I want him to continue with the support he has received...but this is not just about me and mine. This is about the future education of the children of Weymouth.”

Aspiration Academy Trust operates 13 mainstream schools operating in southern England including four in Dorset.

Steve Kenning, managing director of the trust, said it is working to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

He said: “At a recent parents evening we held at the college there were over 200 people there who obviously explained their concerns and hopes for the future following a very turbulent few years for the college. We are a very experienced trust with 13 mainstream schools and our basic philosophy is to raise aspirations in young people.

“We believe this is best achieved by high standards and excellent teaching and learning. Our three guiding principles are self-worth, engagement and purpose. Our success at Atlantic Academy Portland, in taking one of the worst schools in the country and, over the last two years taking it to one of the top 20 most improved schools, should serve as a reassurance to parents.”

  • Earlier this month it was announced that Budmouth’s current interim executive principal, David Herbert, will be made permanent principal from April 23. He has emailed parents to say he will hold a presentation which will include the chance for people to ask questions.