Report on Academies Meeting

Withington Co-op Party held one of its infrequent meetings, Wednesday 19th last. The turn-out was a little disappointing but the quality of the speakers and the questions made the night. First we heard Cllr. Sheila Newman (Labour : Chorlton) give the City Council's support for academies with certain conditions being set by the authority. Then Megs Bradley gave a presentation on The Co-operative support with 5 academies being planned. Followed by Hannah Spiers from the new Manchester Academy to be in Blackley. Other subjects discussed were the new co-operative trust schools. The first one is running in Reddish Vale, Stockport. The questions were very direct and open. As education is a department that costs lots of money the funding and finance issues were aired.