National Strike Action on PAY.

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Testing and League Tables

The National Parents & Governors Association are the latest influential education body to condemn to excessive testing faced by english school children. (See Observer 11th Nov) This follows hard on the heels of the Cambridge review of Primary education led by Prof Robin Alexander which came to the same conclusion which found 52 influential bodies against the current testing regime and only one, the Department for Children and Families, in favour. There was also a cryptic reference in the Queen's speech that the government may be thinking of reviewing the situation.

Academies Update

Edutrust thrown out of Bradford - not considered suitable for that multi racial city.

Unions have met both ARK and Edutrust - confirmed no direct links with Birmingham: another broken promise about "sponsors will be based in Birmingham"

Still no news of sponsors for Sheldon Heath or College High School.

Creative Media Academy - East side - to select 280 14-19 years olds equally from Birmingham and the West Midlands - impact on specialist arts colleges in Birmingham not taken into account.