‘Selling out’

It was the responsibility of a democratically-elected county council and paid for from our local and national taxes. As such, our town community could claim some measure of ownership in any success and also the right to express our concern over any problems.

Then, it was handed over to the Woodard Academies Trust and we were promised a brave new world of improved standards and private investment delivered with an all-embracing Christian ethos. Unfortunately, it hasn’t quite turned out like that, has it? It seems that expensive uniforms, glossy new building projects, a chaplin and a governing bishop do not, necessarily, a good school make. It seems our town and our children now have an inadequately-managed, failing school in special measures.

And now the finger-pointing, the excuses and the ‘strive-to-do-better’ promises begin amidst an acrimonious atmosphere generated by the wounded pride and affronted egos of the sacked ‘governors’. Well, I am sorry to have to tell all you people but the ship has sailed and you are just going to have to deal with it.

Woodard is now in control. You cannot vote them out at the ballot box.

That is what happens when you sell-out to private money. You sell your right to influence or complain.

For the sake of the children I hope someone somewhere learns a hard lesson and takes the appropriate steps towards a remedy.

Mark Williams

Mantling Road

Littlehampton

Editors’ note: This letter has been edited.

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