Teachers To Take Strike Action at Dormer Wells High School

Protest over potential plans to change comprehensive into academy

Teachers at Dormer Wells High School in Ealing are taking strike action in protest over potential plans to convert the school into an academy.

A notice on the school website reads:

''It is with deep regret that I have to inform you that - despite the best efforts of myself and Governors - the NUT has decided to stage a strike on Wednesday 14th June & Thursday 15th June 2017. 

''The school will be closed to all Year 7, 8, 9 & 10.  Year 12 are to register in the 6th Form Study Room at 8.50am.  Year 11 exams will continue as planned.  The school day will end at 3.15pm as normal.'' 

Around 70 NUT members - all classroom teachers at the school are on strike.

Ealing NUT secretary Stefan Simms says they are objecting for several reasons

'' 1) academisation does not improve results for the students, often they get worse 2) students with SEN are very often disadvantaged and do less well in academies (these statements are substantially supported by the DfE own statistics & the Education Select Committee) 3) Pay & conditions are threatened; all schools promise protecting pay & conditions, however many do not keep their promise once they have convert.''

However, in a letter to parents, Headteacher, Roisin Walsh said she believed the action was 'highly regrettable and completely unnecessary'.

She has written: '' The Governing Body has not made a final decision, it is exploring what forming a multi-academy trust would mean..The NUT has been kept informed of the Governing Body programme, and is aware that a final decision is not expected to be taken until the end of 2017 following consultation with stakeholders.''

A teacher who didn't wish to be named said:

'' I've worked at DWHS for many years, I am utterly committed to the students and that is why I have had no choice but to strike. I am striking to defend their education, especially those students with SEN. I am striking to save the soul of our school. Our union has made three offers to avoid this action, the Governing Body have rejected them all instantly without any discussion or explanation. They won't let staff or parents have their say."

14th June 2017 (updated)