ELTHAM: School decides against splitting from council

GOVERNORS at Eltham Hill technology college have voted unanimously against splitting from Greenwich Council.

The top achieving school in Eltham Hill had considered becoming a foundation school a move exclusively revealed by the News Shopper.

It would have been funded by Greenwich education authority but would have owned and controlled its own premises, employed its own staff and controlled admissions.

The move was branded "elitist and divisive" by director of education George Gyte, who is spearheading a plan to improve post-16 education, following a damning OfSTED report in 1999.

Eltham Hill had consulted interested parties over the shift, including other secondary heads and parents.

But the decision to remain within the council's jurisdiction was taken unanimously at a meeting of the board of governors last week.

Headteacher Marjorie Findlay-Stone had previously hit back at claims the school was being elitist and claimed Greenwich were using it as a "political football".

She also said the move had nothing to do with selection procedure and it was "firmly committed to comprehensive education."

Speaking after the decision, Mrs Findlay-Stone said: "We very much look forward to working with Greenwich Council to help realise our vision for the school.

Cabinet member for lifelong learning, Councillor Peter Kotz, who earlier condemned the school's proposal as "flying in the face of Greenwich's policy on comprehensive education" welcomed the move.

He said: "I am glad Eltham Hill wants to remain within the body of council schools.

"This decision clears the way for us to continue our discussions about developing and establishing an e-learning community centre at the school."

December 4, 2001 12:53

Patrick John