The Governors at Lyndon School and Humanities College in Solihull have now confirmed that the school will change status and become a ‘Trust School’ in January 2009.

As a Trust school, Lyndon will continue to receive its funding from the local authority, but ownership of land and buildings will be transferred to the trust and staff will be transferred so that they will be employed by the Governing Body.

This decision was taken despite overwhelming opposition from staff at the school. GMB Trade Union represents Support Staff at the school and have confirmed that they will be holding a meeting with Members early next week. A ballot for further action will follow this meeting.

The Teaching union, NUT, have confirmed that they will also be balloting their Members.

Stuart Richards, GMB Organiser for GMB Trade Union said, “Our Members have expressed their opposition to this proposal from the start. We know that OFSTED have stated that this is a good school and there is nothing in these proposals that will improve the quality of education for pupils, certainly, there is no more money! However, our Members believe that there are significant risks for the future of the school. They don’t want to be directly employed by the Governors and don’t think the school should lose its community status.”

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Contact: Stuart Richards, GMB Organiser 07875 405293 or Samantha Jones, Press Officer 0121 550 4888.