An earlier parent’s protest outside the school
(Picture: Handout)One of London’s most prestigious state schools was forced to close on Wednesday after teachers walked out in protest against plans for it to join an academy chain.
Holland Park school shut its doors to all pupils except those taking A-Level and GCSE exams due to lack of staff.
It is the latest stage of a bitter dispute between some parents and staff and the school’s governing body, which wants the school to join the multi academy trust United Learning.
Parents and teachers say they have not been properly consulted about the plans, and want the school to join forces with a local school instead.
A spokesman for the school said: “Today’s strike organised by the NEU (National Education Union) is not in the best interests of children and young people. We are sad that the school will be closed to all students except those taking exams but are grateful to those staff who have come in to ensure exams can be sat today.”
Organisers of the strike said 63 out of 88 members of staff walked out on Wednesday.
A spokesman for the group said teachers have been working at weekends and after school to put on additional classes and interventions for exam pupils.
He added: “Stress and disruption has been caused to pupils yes, but it’s because of the unreasonable actions of an out of touch governing body trying to steam roller over students, parents and NEU members. “
The school, which has been dubbed the ‘Socialist Eton’, was issued with a financial notice to improve in November and ordered to rein in the salaries of its leaders and consider joining a multi-academy chain.
New governors were brought in and announced the school was set to join United Learning, which some parents and staff say they should have been consulted on.
A subsequent investigation into claims of a toxic work culture and public shaming of students found serious failings in safeguarding and governance going back many years.
The school spokesman said the current governors are “fully committed” to resolving the schools’ problems and to “ensuring that Holland Park School has a positive future in which all students succeed.”
Further strikes are planned throughout the exam season in May and June.
