A Tory MP has been called out by a high school over a 'categorically untrue' statement in a Conservative Party flyer posted out through letterboxes.
James Grundy, the MP for Leigh in Wigan, said in the flyer that he supported Golborne High School's 'securing' of academy status with Winstanley College in Orrell.
Plans to develop a multi-academy trust between the high school and college were announced in January last year, with their governing bodies saying a 'detailed evaluation and public consultation' would be held to consider the development. But Alison Gormally, head at Golbourne High, said the plan to 'explore the idea' came to nothing and a decision was taken not to proceed.
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Mr Grundy, elected in 2019 in a traditional Labour 'red wall' seat, said in the flyer: "With significant extra housing being built in our towns, it is great to be supporting the much needed expansion of Golborne High School to accommodate the increased intake numbers and their securing of Academy status alongside Winstanley College."
The leaflet prompted the high school to issue a statement on its social media channels - saying Mr Grundy 'has not been in communication' with the school for 12 months.
The statement, which has been widely shared, said: "Good afternoon. You may have received a flyer from Conservative Party candidate James Grundy MP, which states that we are academising with Winstanley College.
"This is categorically untrue. James Grundy has not been in communication with this school in the last 12 months. Please ignore this factually incorrect information."
The school said the information caused 'great concern' and 'confusion in the local community'.
In a statement, head Ms Gormally said: "The school has not been approached by Mr Grundy's office to discuss the contents of the information that was sent to residents in the local area. The school was made aware of the contents of the leaflet through governors and parents.
"This caused great concern as some of the information in the leaflet, related to Golborne High School being an academy, was incorrect. Last year Golborne High School and Winstanley College explored the idea and in doing so, consulted with partners and stakeholders such as Mr Grundy. This is part of the academisation process.
"A decision was taken not to academize by both organisations after much deliberation and the correct channels were followed to inform all stakeholders of that decision. There is no requirement to contact Mr Grundy's office to inform him of this decision as it was published on both websites and the correct authorities were informed.
"We continue to be a very strong partner with Winstanley College who are an exceptional post 16 provider for our pupils.
"Unfortunately Mr Grundy's publication has caused confusion in the local community and the school had to take action immediately to ensure that parents and children felt confident in the information that we have provided. The school contacted all parents through our online systems and via social media in order to ensure that the correct information was received by all parents in the quickest possible time.
"It is disappointing that Mr Grundy's office did not discuss the content of the leaflet with the school before issuing it. It is also very surprising that Mr Grundy's office was not aware of the decision that was taken not to academise, given that this decision was shared publicly on both Golborne High School and Winstanley College's websites.
"The unnecessary confusion and concern caused by the publication from Mr Grundy's office has now been rectified due to the school's rapid response. We hope to work with Mr Grundy and his team in a positive manner moving forwards."
In a statement, Mr Grundy said: "In early 2022, I was approached by the headteacher of Golborne High who asked me to back plans for the school to seek funding from the Government school rebuilding programme and also to support academy status for the school.
"The school was successful in securing funds from the Government, however, I am concerned that there appears to be a discrepancy between the totality of the plans I was asked to support and the plans that have been delivered. At no time did the school contact me to inform me that their plans had changed to not include academy status. I was also disappointed that the school took to social media to put out a post that implied my earlier statements were somehow fabricated.
"I am also disappointed that the school made the factually incorrect claim that we have not been in touch with them for over twelve months. My office records show that we last contacted the school in mid-September, although not on this matter. I look forward to continuing to work with Golborne High in my role as MP for the Leigh constituency."
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