We need to call upon the Regional Schools Commissioner Claire Burton, to take the signatures of this petition as proof that a fair and lawful consultation was not carried out.

You can email Claire at the following email address RSC.SESL@education.gov.uk

�Below is a copy of her letter to me dated

RSC.SESL@education.gov.uk

30 March 2020

Re: Voluntary Conversion of Steyning Grammar School

Dear Mr Davey,

First and foremost, I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. As you will be aware the greatest issue currently facing the nation and the school system is Covid-19, therefore our efforts are focussed primarily on supporting the education sector on that and no academy orders will be issued at this time, including for Steyning Grammar.

However, the process for consulting on proposals to convert to academy status is entirely up to the school, and does not have to take place before the school applies to convert. The consultation must be completed before I sign a funding agreement. If the school wishes to use technology or to consult remotely then it may do so as long as a process is in place to provide all the necessary information and to respond to comments raised.

Furthermore, whilst the school is not open for the vast majority of students, currently limited staff are still in the school and the school’s administrative functions are continuing. As a result, the school may feel there is no reason not to consult at this time. Though I must reiterate that the process for legally converting the school into an academy cannot begin until I have signed an academy order, which I am currently not in a position to do.

Lastly, whilst the consultation process is adminstered solely by the school, if I deem the process to not have been carried out properly I will ask the school to repeat the consultation again before signing a funding agreement.

I hope this helps allay some of your concerns regarding Steyning Grammar’s wish to join an academy trust.

Yours sincerely,

Claire Burton,
Regional Schools Commissioner
South East and South London