I HAVE just learned of some local primary schools which have turned into Academies.

Eagley Infants, Eagley Juniors, Harwood Meadows and now St Simon and Jude’s and St Paul’s in Astley Bridge. I was astounded to learn that the small governing body and the head teacher can decide the fate of our children without first talking to us the parents/grandparents.

I understand some schools sent a letter to parents, but seeing the press releases the unions have done about the pitfalls of academies it’s clear these academies are very controversial.

I am now beginning to see what the unions have been banging on about for months.

If Academy is the best for a school, why have the schools not held a meeting and let us parents and grandparents go along and listen to what the heads have to say and let the unions tell us what their concerns are and let us decide.

Our children and grandchildren will be there long after these head teachers — or are they hiding something and that’s why they seem to change into academies really quickly without much publicity?

Name and address supplied