Dear Parents, Students and Colleagues

Thank you to those parents who attended the Parent Council meeting this week and to Trevor Clarke for acting as Chair as usual. Trevor has produced a set of notes from the meeting for those who were unable to attend.

On this occasion Trevor was not supported by Sue Allingham, who has been Vice-Chair of the Parent Council and, with Trevor, has represented the views of parents on the Academy Council. Sadly, as her work commitments have increased, Sue has signalled her intention to stand down. I would like to publicly thank Sue for her work, not just for supporting the Academy but also as a Governor of the predecessor school. It has been a remarkable period for the Academy with many significant issues being discussed and debated. Sue has skilfully represented the views of parents, while at the same time, giving me the advice and support that I value greatly from those who give their time in the interests of all the students at the Academy.

We will write to you shortly asking for nominations to replace Sue as Vice Chair and parent representative on the Council. If necessary an election will follow.

At the meeting on Tuesday evening I also mentioned that we would be conducting a consultation process as we intend to ask the Secretary of State for Education for permission to establish a Sixth Form provision at the Academy. This is clearly an exciting and ground breaking opportunity. You will be receiving a letter with more information about this very shortly.

Nick Jones, Principal