On 13th May 2021, a matter of weeks after staff took strike action at Peacehaven Heights Primary against the threat of academisation, the Interim Executive Boards at Peacehaven Heights and Telscombe Cliffs primaries have applied to the Regional Schools Commissioner for academy orders.

They have done this months in advance of any consultation which completely undermines any future consultation being meaningful. Academy orders do not have to be applied for prior to consultation as the Academies Act 2010 says they can be applied for afterwards.

Earlier this year the Regional Schools Commissioner for the South East rejected an application for an academy order by a governing body in Kent due to high levels of opposition and a lack of transparency. This is no different to what is happening in Peacehaven, so we must make sure she is aware of how many people oppose our schools being converted into academies.