Wirral academy sponsor hits back at councillor's criticism (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral academy sponsor hits back at councillor's criticism

The entrepreneur behind a plan for a sponsored boys-only academy in Wirral has accused a leading councillor of causing "considerable damage" to the scheme.

Birkenhead-born entrepreneur David Hughes

The pair have locked horns in email correspondence after former Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Stuart Kelly said the "vision" for the super-school was lacking inspiration.

Birkenhead-born businessman David Hughes says the accusation has "caused considerable damage already to the reputation of the proposed new academy."

Cllr Kelly's comments came after he recently voted at a meeting of the cabinet to proceed to the consultation stage of the plan.

But he also said the proposal for the boys-only academy “lacks sufficient ambition for raising the aspirations and prospects of the children.”

Liberal Democrat cabinet member Cllr Stuart Kelly

He said he believes the proposals are "deeply flawed" and may actually damage the educational prospects of Birkenhead children for years to come.

In a series of emails to Cllr Kelly, seen by the Wirral Globe, Mr Hughes wrote: "Whether intentionally mischievous or otherwise, you certainly created a few waves with your comments.

"Frankly, I am at a loss to understand how you could possibly feel that my vision for the new academy is 'somewhat lacking in inspiration' and I have to believe that you made those comments that you did make because you had not read the document beforehand.

"You have caused considerable damage already to the reputation of the proposed new academy and I would very much like to repair that damage amicably before this unwarranted criticism gains any further momentum."

He invited Cllr Kelly to meet to discuss the issue, but the request has been turned down.

In his reply, Cllr Kelly wrote: "I reject your accusation that the concerns I have expressed, which have been reported in the press, are mischievous in nature.

"I have a deeply held view that the proposals submitted for consultation will not have the effect of improving educational attainment in Birkenhead to the levels I would want.

"This is a view shared by many within the community I represent, many of whom send their children, or are intending to send their children to Ridgeway High.

"Further I see no evidence that there is any demand for a boy’s only school in the area, and I hear that local residents in the Borough Road area are planning to oppose attempts to gain planning permission for such a school development in their area."

And he adds: "I don’t feel a meeting would be beneficial as I have articulated my opinion and you have articulated yours.

"The next stages will be for our respective stand points to undergo the scrutiny of both the political process (the cabinet decision has been called in to the scrutiny committee by the Conservatives) and the public consultation."

The scheme at the centre of the row would see one mixed-sex academy and one boys-only academy for pupils currently at Park High, Rock Ferry High and Ridgeway High schools.

The boys' academy would be sponsored by David Hughes, the University of Liverpool, Birkenhead Sixth Form College and Wirral Council.

The mixed-sex academy would be sponsored by the University of Chester, Wirral Met College and Wirral Council.