Michael Gove to appeal court decision over Chadwell Heath academy plans

Sarah Jane Scrace, and other staff outside Warren School in Whalebone Lane North, opposing academy status (Image: Archant)

Last week the Warren School in Whalebone Lane won a court victory when Judge Mr Justice Collins ordered that a consultation must take before the government can force the change of status.

However, this week the Department for Education said it would appeal the judge’s decision and had been given leave to do so by the court.

A spokesman said: “For at least a decade, the council has failed to provide anything like a sufficient standard of education at this school.

“We make no apology for tackling this kind of sustained failure and we are determined to ensure pupils at the Warren finally get the excellent education they deserve.”

Sarah Jane Scrace, chairman of governors at the school, said: “Our main priority has always been no disruption to the children’s education.

“We are disappointed that the secretary of state thinks it is necessary to inflict more uncertainty on the school against parents’ wishes.”

The Warren School received a letter from the government on January 6 saying that it was failing and would be taken out of council hands and turned into an academy.

Earlier this month, the High Court postponed government plans to set up a board to oversee the changes after a joint appeal by the school and the council for a judicial review.

Cllr John White, cabinet member for children services, said academy status would be disruptive to the children’s education and that the school should be able to continue working with Robert Clack School to improve standards.