Home   Canterbury   News   Article

Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School bids farewell to its fifth governor in blundered academy plan

The chairman of Simon Langton Girls’ governing body is the latest confirmed casualty of the Canterbury school’s effort to become an academy.

Ash Rehal quit on Thursday as the grammar school and county council education chiefs admitted the episode had sullied the reputation of the school.

Mr Rehal is the fifth governor to stand down as the school ditched its planned conversion to academy status amid outcry from parents who opposed the idea.

Chairman of governors Ash Rehal is the latest casualty at the Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School
Chairman of governors Ash Rehal is the latest casualty at the Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School

In a letter to parents, the Langton and Kent County Council say they hope to foster a new culture of “transparency and openness” in school matters.

“The proposal by the Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School to become an academy has been the subject of intense media interest over recent weeks, following complaints and significant objections by many stakeholders,” the letter said.

“The wide scale public opposition, including parents, pupils and staff and the negative reporting of the consultation process has been damaging to the reputation of the school and this is highly regrettable.

Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School
Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School

“Moving forward, the school governors and Kent County Council are determined to ensure that relationships can be restored under a new climate of openness and transparency.

“Following the resignation of a number of governors, including the chair of governors Ash Rehal, and the governing body’s decision to withdraw its academy plans in response to the consultation feedback, KCC has identified five new governors including a new chairman of governors, to strengthen capacity and restore confidence.”

The new governors are described as bringing “considerable educational and leadership experience” while a new county council clerk had been appointed to the governing body.

Langton head Jane Robinson, severely criticised for her part in the plan to create an academy school linked to struggling Spires Academy at Hersden, remains in her post.

Former Girls' Langton head teacher Jane Robinson.
Former Girls' Langton head teacher Jane Robinson.

Parents mounted protests and organised a petition against the academy plan. They argued it effectively involved the “transfer of a local authority school to a private company” – contrary to the needs of pupils and parents.

The Langton and KCC letter goes on: “As well as addressing the complaints received, the governing body will give priority to developing a new way forward for the school and engaging with the whole school community on this.

“The Memorandum of Understanding between Simon Langton Girls Grammar School and the Spires Academy will remain in place and the schools will continue to work together. Future arrangements will be discussed by the two schools in due course.

“The last few months have been a difficult time for the school and the focus should now be on restoring confidence among parents and staff.

“While the complaints that have been made will be addressed through a proper process, it is in everyone’s interest to see all those who care about the school’s future pull together and communicate in an environment that is characterised by respect and courtesy.

“We are confident that the new governing body members have added strengths and expertise to take the school forward and bring greater capacity to the leadership and governance of Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School.”

The next meeting of the newly convened governing body takes place on Thursday, July 14.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More