So now the Tories support academies too. Let's not dwell on the exquisite irony of David Willetts pleading that "academic selection entrenches advantage". Surely, chorus the Tory faithful, that's the whole point of grammar schools? How far Cameron can drag the party with him is one of the few interesting questions left in national politics.
What's maybe more pertinent here is how this will play out closer to home. There's much debate about whether academies really do raise academic achievement. The disadvantages of taking control over children's education out of public control are certainly well rehearsed. But the effect on the broader local community rarely gets discussed.
The City Academy in Bristol - formerly St. George Community College - was the first academy in the South West. As a flagship project, it's got tonnes of positive press coverage, not a little government spin, and a visit from David Beckham. The headteacher, Ray Priest, is by all accounts a fine and inspirational man, although why he couldn't be equally inspiring within the state sector has never been fully explained.
The Academy opened in 2003 and quickly found itself in dispute with sections of the local community over the use of Packer's Field, a local green space. Originally used by the workers of the Packer's chocolate factory, it was sold to the city council in the 1930s, with the proviso that it should be used for the recreation of local people. In 2002, however, Bristol City Council handed the field to the newly fledged City Academy on a 99 year lease.
To cut a long story short, the Packer's Field proposals divided the local community down the middle. A consultation in 2003 saw 58% in favour of the plans and 42% against. Those in favour pointed to the problems with drug dealing and dog mess - that constant of local government - and the fact that the plans would give local primary schools access to the field. Those against wanted to see the field given town green status, and open access preserved.
What's maybe more pertinent here is how this will play out closer to home. There's much debate about whether academies really do raise academic achievement. The disadvantages of taking control over children's education out of public control are certainly well rehearsed. But the effect on the broader local community rarely gets discussed.
The City Academy in Bristol - formerly St. George Community College - was the first academy in the South West. As a flagship project, it's got tonnes of positive press coverage, not a little government spin, and a visit from David Beckham. The headteacher, Ray Priest, is by all accounts a fine and inspirational man, although why he couldn't be equally inspiring within the state sector has never been fully explained.
The Academy opened in 2003 and quickly found itself in dispute with sections of the local community over the use of Packer's Field, a local green space. Originally used by the workers of the Packer's chocolate factory, it was sold to the city council in the 1930s, with the proviso that it should be used for the recreation of local people. In 2002, however, Bristol City Council handed the field to the newly fledged City Academy on a 99 year lease.
To cut a long story short, the Packer's Field proposals divided the local community down the middle. A consultation in 2003 saw 58% in favour of the plans and 42% against. Those in favour pointed to the problems with drug dealing and dog mess - that constant of local government - and the fact that the plans would give local primary schools access to the field. Those against wanted to see the field given town green status, and open access preserved.
Unsurprisingly, the City Academy won the day, and was given permission to go ahead with the developments, subject to a Community Use Agreement, which would give locals access to the field.
Since then, progress has been slow. The field has languished as a wet and muddy morass for much of the intervening period. The contractors given the job of remodelling this space went bankrupt. Not only were the large lakes in the inadequately fenced field a danger zone, the boundary with neighbouring Whitehall school was not properly maintained, creating a security hazard.
Since then, progress has been slow. The field has languished as a wet and muddy morass for much of the intervening period. The contractors given the job of remodelling this space went bankrupt. Not only were the large lakes in the inadequately fenced field a danger zone, the boundary with neighbouring Whitehall school was not properly maintained, creating a security hazard.
Work has now restarted, but a recent stroll around the field reveals that any child could easily squeeze through the gates. Standing water remains a problem, and a Community Use Agreement has not yet been finalised.
This tale of woe shows how divisive academies and related developments can be. Perhaps even more worryingly, it shows just how acrimonious such disputes can become. Opportunity for some can be loss for others. In inner city areas, with precious little green space, it's easy to understand how access for all vs. sports facilities for kids can become a zero sum game.
Such divisions are easily exploited. Once an academy is established, they become a disproportionately powerful player in local affairs. Unlike schools under local authority control, their governing bodies do not have to include representatives from the local community. In any case, a majority of governors can be appointed by the sponsor, giving them effective control.
We in the environmental movement are quick to see community and localism as the answer to almost everything (the Transition groups are a prime example of this). But we also need to recognise that locals can disagree vehemently, and that, even without an academy to stir things up, communities don't always want the same things.
"It's got so local's just a badge you wear
To show that you know how to care."
To show that you know how to care."
Rather than romanticising the "power of community", perhaps we need to start thinking about community competition too.
*(You can listen to it here.)
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