Parents protest outside Holland Park School
(Picture: Handout)Parents at a west London school dubbed the “socialist Eton” are protesting at plans for it to be taken over by the country’s biggest academy chain after claims of a toxic working culture.
Holland Park School, where alumni include the children of high-profile Labour figures Tony Benn and Roy Jenkins, as well Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi, is in the process of joining United Learning, which runs more than 70 schools.
Angry parents say there has not been a proper consultation and the school is being “railroaded” into joining a multi-academy trust (MAT). They have formed the Holland Park School Parent Collective to oppose the plans, with more than 1,200 people signing a petition. Parents held a protest outside the school gates yesterday.
Sarah Vine, ex-wife of former education secretary Michael Gove, whose son goes to the school, tweeted: “Apparently the school is being given to United Learning. Never heard of them. Based in Peterborough. Why is a company based in Peterborough being put in charge of a school in west London? How can they possibly have any idea what’s best for our students?”
Jodi Bartle, who has three children at the school, said: “The parents who make up the Holland Park School Parent Collective are appalled at the speed and lack of transparency this MAT process has taken, essentially leaving parents, teachers, and students without a voice in what is a fundamental change in the school. We fear becoming part of United Learning will dilute the things that make Holland Park School a unique, distinct, and outstanding school.”
Apparently the school is being given to United Learning. Never heard of them. Based in Peterborough. Why is a company based in Peterborough being put in charge of a school in west London? How can they possibly have any idea what's best for our students? https://t.co/JhKYWc39nv
— Sarah Vine (@WestminsterWAG) March 14, 2022
The school has come under scrutiny since claims of a “toxic” working culture and “public shaming” of students were made. The Government issued it with a financial notice to improve four months ago, ordering it to rein in the salaries of its leaders and join a MAT.
In a letter to parents this week the chair of governors said joining one was the best way for the future of the school to be “secured and stabilised”, adding that United Learning Trust was the governing body’s preferred partner.
Sam Dodgshon, Liberal Democrat candidate for the Pembridge ward in Kensington and Chelsea, tweeted: “Parents have been kept out of decisions at Holland Park.”
In a letter to parents, the school said the notice to improve could have led to it being shut down. The letter also said governors had received “multiple serious complaints about the school”. An independent investigation into these will be published soon.
A spokeswoman for the school said United Learning is a “very strong, well-run academy trust with schools in the local area.” She added: “The trust understands the community and the unique character of the school.”
