COUNCILLORS are opposing plans for two schools to form a Multi-Academy Trust.

Prince Henry's Grammar School and Bramhope Primary have been consulting on the move, which they believe would bring 'mutual support, challenge and benefits'.

Otley and Yeadon's three ward councillors (all Liberal Democrat), however, have flagged up a number of concerns.

In a letter sent to the Headteacher of Prince Henry's, Janet Sheriff, they cite worries about the timing, impact on the leadership of both schools, and a lack of support from other primaries.

They also ask for guarantees to be given over the Otley school's future admissions policy.

Councillor Sandy Lay said: "Failure to convince All Saints, Ashfield, Pool, The Whartons and Westgate of the merits of the MAT must raise serious concerns regarding benefits, viability and governance.

"If fellow local educational leaders and governing bodies cannot, and will not, at this time advocate such a move why should any of us who take our lead from our local school leadership believe that this can be anything other than a change for the worse?

"Our observations are that it would be a better use of Prince Henry’s time to work towards an ‘Outstanding’ rating, and that the five primary schools' headteachers and governing bodies would be better served by concentrating on improving attainment, achievement and standards."

The letter concludes: "It is our view and the view of many...that now is not the time, nor is there widespread support, to pursue a MAT.

"The proposed Trust is too small and any savings made will be lost due to increased staffing costs.

"Furthermore, the necessary clarity and reassurance has not been given...regarding the protection of access and admission for children from Otley schools to Prince Henry's under the proposed MAT."

Ms Sheriff issued this statement in response: "There are tangible benefits to be gained from the proposed MAT - even at this early stage with two founding schools.

"However, we recognise that the more schools that join the more effective it will be and this is why it is our ambition to grow the Collaborative Learning Trust, ideally with our Family of Schools initially.

"There is no doubt that Local Authority capacity to support schools is reducing - the national expectation is that schools will group together in MATs to support and challenge each other.

"We want to be at the forefront of this so that we can develop a MAT that is matched to the values and ethos of our community and secures the continued success of our schools."

Referring to the admissions policy, she said: "The proposal to change the admissions criteria will go to consultation in the autumn of 2018, with any agreed changes coming in to effect for admissions into Year 7 in September, 2020.

"It is important to note, however, that any proposal will definitely not be detrimental to any Otley School or any other school where Prince Henry’s is their closest secondary."

Bramhope Primary Headteacher Rachel Colbourn added: "The leadership of both Bramhope Primary and Prince Henry’s will not be compromised by the formation of the MAT.

"In fact, leadership will be strengthened as high level administrative tasks would be carried out by the Trust's central team, leaving headteachers more time to focus on leading teaching and learning.

"The main focus of forming a MAT is to take proactive steps to ensure pupil attainment and standards remain high and that both schools are able to continue in the future to provide the highest quality education for their community.

"We fully intend to continue working in a strong and effective partnership within our local Family of Schools."

The consultation was due to end on Monday, May 21.