We, the undersigned, are dismayed at the speed with which the schools in Coventry are attempting to make a fundamental change to the way that they are run and organised. We feel that there has been far too little, or even no consultation at all with the pupils, the parents, guardians and staff within the schools.

We call on the governors of Coventry schools to make an undertaking not to consider a change to Academy status until at least July 2012 to allow a full and open consultation process. The effects of Coventry schools changing to Academy status could be massive upon the education system in the city.

There is no evidence to suggest that Academies will perorm any better than state maintained schools, whereas ther is plenty of evidence to suggest that introducing cut throat competition between schools leads to a decreasing standard of education.

A decision of such magnitude should fully take into account the views of parents, staff, pupils and the whole community, not just a few school governors, mostly who are not elected.

We call on the governors in Coventry schools seeking Academy status to postpone their bids and to open a full and comprehensive consultation process.

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