GOVERNORS representing Sheppey’s three middle schools say it is disgraceful that they have been left in the dark over plans to introduce an education Academy.

They are furious they have not been asked their views or given any official information and say the uncertainty has already kick-started the exodus of teaching staff.

The governing bodies of Cheyne, Danley and St George’s are urging parents to attend a public meeting later this month to give their views and speak to legal representatives who are fighting the Academy plans.

In a statement they say: “Unbelievably and disgracefully, there has been no contact between the local authority and the governors concerning this.

“We have been totally excluded from taking any part in the debate during the last two years about a proposed academy.”

They also said the only information they have on plans to transform the three-tier system is what has been published in the Sheerness Times Guardian.

The statement went on to say: “Becoming an Academy would bring around £40 million of investment, most of which would be spent building a satellite to Minster College on the Cheyne site and adapting Minster College itself.

“This school would be run by an executive head and one governing body of sponsors (Dulwich College, KCC, and the Church of England), which excludes all but one member of the local community.

“The proposed changes will hugely affect the education of every child below the age of 16 and we are very anxious that Sheppey people take a full part in any consultation with a clear idea of the implications of what is being proposed.”

The governors say they would welcome positive change that brought better educational opportunities.

“However, the advantages of the new system would have to be considerable to justify the disruption during the up to five-year transition period between one system and the other,” they said.

“On the little information we have at present, the governors feel that there must be a more sensible, practical and educationally exciting way to use the extra investment on offer.”

And in a direct appeal to parents, they say: “Your ideas on that should also be discussed. Please do not allow a system to be imposed upon the Island’s children without having your say.”

The public meeting will be held at Cheyne Middle School at Sheerness, on Wednesday, June 21, starting at 7pm.

Solicitors challenging the Academy proposals on behalf of some parents will attend the meeting and want to hear more views.