Harrow Youth Parliament holds academies debate

Members of Harrow Youth Parliament organised the event and invited a panel of experts to answer questions from an audience of young people, as seven local schools consult on proposals to become academies. 

About 50 pupils from schools across the borough seized the opportunity to find out more. 

The newly elected chair of Harrow Youth Parliament, Ladan Dirie, said: "We decided to organise this debate because those who were for and against were both putting their views across very strongly; we didn't know who to believe and hadn't really had a chance to make our own minds up. 

"This is a major change and we are the people this is going to effect so it was important we could ask people who aren't our teachers or governors the questions that have been on our minds. 

"I hope people will go away knowing more. Maybe they can even explain a few things to their parents!" 

HYP invited Harrow Council's Chief Executive Michael Lockwood to chair the debate, which lasted an hour and a half. The panel included Corporate Director for Children's Services Catherine Doran, head teacher at Bentley Wood School Janice Howkins, Portfolio Holder for Schools and Colleges at Harrow Council Cllr Brian Gate, former Member of UK Youth Parliament Phiya Pau and Chair of Harrow Youth Parliament Ladan Dirie. 

Finance, legal and education experts were also on hand to answer technical questions.  

Questions included: 

• Is there any proof that schools will benefit financially? 
• My school says it is going to keep the same curriculum, term dates and staff - so what's the point of becoming an academy? 
• How will the extra money be spent? 
• Are there any limits on what changes academies can make? 
• If schools don't have to follow the curriculum will we be at a disadvantage when it comes to applying for a place at university? 
• Why hasn't there been a pupil referendum? 
• Will there be less money for primary schools?

Chief executive of Harrow Council, Michael Lockwood, said: "It was really good to see so many young people take an interest in what's going on in their school. This is a huge decision and it's important they get involved.  

"As with any decision on this scale there is a lot of information being circulated, so this was a chance for them to get answers and make their own minds up. 

"I was impressed by how well informed they were; they asked some very good questions and didn't let the panel members off lightly." 

Seven schools in Harrow have consulted on plans to covert to become academies. They are: Nower Hill, Hatch End, Canons, Harrow High, Rooks Heath, Bentley Wood and Park High.

The consultation ends on 4th April.