Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre in Kent is vital, not only because it is the largest in the county, but also because it ranks amongst the top ten largest schools nationwide. Frontline student-facing staff, who are the backbone of the educational experience, are threatened with redundancy and cuts to their working hours. These individuals are the reason the school thrives; they provide direct guidance, support, and teaching to students each and every day. Without them, the quality of education at Homewood is at risk.

For those unaware, Homewood operates under a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) model, a system intended to provide sufficient funding and resources for the educational establishments under its care. However, it seems that the funds, instead of being adequately allocated to essential school resources, are diminishing, and our frontline staff are feeling the brunt of this mismanagement. It has been suggested that there's no money, with trust staff claiming their hands are tied, but this perspective overlooks the fundamental issue — education funding should prioritise front-line educational work, not inflate M.A.T accounts.

Education is not just about spreadsheets and budgets; it's about the real, tangible impact knowledgeable and dedicated professionals have on students’ lives. These individuals teach, support, and help children grow into responsible adults. Cutting their jobs or reducing their hours is no viable solution. Prioritising the funding for our frontline staff is essential to not only meet educational standards but to exceed them, allowing students to thrive in an environment where they feel supported and empowered.

NEU members at Homewood call upon the leaders of the Multi-Academy Trust, local authorities, and educational boards to re-evaluate the funding allocation and help Homewood through this period without brutal cuts to provision that will affect income. We need transparency on how funds are managed and distributed. We need the current staff and students to not have to face the price of previous mismanagement. It's time for an overhaul of priorities — where education funds directly enhance student learning environments rather than administrative budgets.

At the moment, on the 1st of September 2026, the educational future at Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre looks very different to 2025. Help ensure that every child receives the best possible education from dedicated teachers and support staff who remain in their roles. Stand with NEU members and sign this petition to make sure the right voices are heard and protect those who matter most at Homewood.