PEOPLE in Darwen have been urged to have their say on the future of Darwen Vale High School as the consultation over turning it into an academy comes to a close.
The school in Blackburn Road is being forced into academy status by the Department for Education after receiving an ‘inadequate’ rating by Ofsted inspectors.
The move has sparked controversy, with unions officials, parents and staff insisting that the school is improving and does not need to change.
The view is backed up by a recent Ofsted check-up.
Will Straw, Labour’s prospective candidate at the 2015 General Election, has called on parents to fill in a survey before a public consultation ends on Friday.
He said: “I attended the consultation meeting at Darwen Vale on Saturday.
“I asked about the process going forward and have sought assurances that the full results of the consultation will be published.
“I also raised concerns about the prospect of the Aldridge Foundation becoming the only provider of secondary schools in Darwen.
“I have followed up with a letter to Local Dialogue who are conducting the consultation and to the Aldridge Foundation.
“If you haven’t done so already, please complete the survey before Friday to make sure that your voice is heard.”
The survey can be found online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/darwenvaleconsultation
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