Grammar schools association warns of "covert dangers" of academy status

The National Grammar Schools Association has warned governors and headteachers of its member schools to be extremely cautious of becoming academies, claiming there are “covert dangers” in converting.

In an “urgent statement”, NGSA chairman Robert McCartney QC said: “We understand that approaches are being made to persuade grammar schools to become academies, in particular by the Grammar Schools Heads Association. We strongly advise governors and headteachers to be extremely cautious."

McCartney said there were fears that academies may not be legally defined as ‘maintained’ schools, in which case they may lose the statutory protection of requiring a parental ballot before they are turned into comprehensive schools.

Calling on member schools to seek advice from the association, he added: “There may be other covert dangers and until everything is made clear in the area of legislation and elsewhere, we strongly recommend extreme caution.”

The NGSA’s statement comes a few days after the Catholic Church advised its schools that it would be “unwise” to pursue academy status.

The Catholic Education Service pointed out that it would involve transferring land and buildings to new academy trusts. These assets are usually owned by church dioceses or religious orders, which would be unlikely to agree to the transfer, it said.