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Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are writing to inform you of a critical issue that is currently affecting our school community.
You may be aware that The Burgess Hill Academy is one of 14 schools that are part of The University of Brighton Academy Trust (UBAT). We feel that you have the right to know that the Trust has been withholding a very significant amount of public funding from our school. This funding is allocated by the Government to your child for the provision and resources they need to receive the education that they deserve. However, instead of this funding reaching our school, it is being withheld by the Trust and instead being spent on non-pupil facing roles in their central services.
Government funding withheld from The Burgess Hill Academy by The University of Brighton Academy Trust:
2021-22:
£1,814,000 (28%)
2022-23:
£1,015,000 (15%)
Total funding withheld 2021-23 (we do not have the figures for 2023-24 yet):
£2,829,000
In an Academy Trust of this size the average percentage taken from schools to spend on Trust central services is 5-6%.
We are sure you will be as shocked by these figures as we are. As teachers and support staff who strive day in and day out to give your child the best education that we can, we are all too aware of what this funding could have been spent on and how much this could have benefitted your child.
We have made numerous attempts to resolve this issue through dialogue and negotiation with the Trust. So far the CEO of the Trust has still not met with us and our concerns have not been resolved. As a result, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to take strike action to force the Trust to resolve these issues.
The withholding of funds has a direct impact on the provision that our students receive and our working conditions. We must advocate for the fair allocation of resources that are essential for providing the high standard of education that your child deserves. The strike is a last resort, taken after all other avenues have been exhausted, to ensure that the voices of our students and staff are heard and treated with the seriousness that this situation calls for.
We need you to know that we do not take this action lightly and we understand that this may cause disruption to your family’s routine. The fact of the matter is that we do not think it is right that your child is missing out on essential funding, and taking strike action is the only way left for us to rectify this. We are taking this action with the best interests of our students in mind, aiming to secure the necessary resources for their education and future success. We want to make it absolutely clear that this strike is not about our pay; it is about the effect that the withholding of funding is having on the provision your child receives and the impact this has on our workload.
We know that you will want to do what you can to ensure this matter is resolved as quickly as possible. Here are some ways that you can support us during this challenging time and make your voice heard:
- Contact the University of Brighton Academy Trust: Express your concerns about the withholding of funds and the impact it is having on your child's education. Hearing directly from parents can be a powerful catalyst for change. You can email the CEO Dr John Smith here: [email protected]
- Join the Parents’ Campaign: You can make a significant difference. If you would be interested in being part of a parents’ campaign, please fill out this short form here: https://forms.office.com/e/CcrDjHiy5s
- Come along to the meeting for parents and the local community:
Tuesday 25th June, 4-5pm
Cyprus Hall
Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill
RH15 8DX
Please fill out the short form above to let us know if you can make it. - Engage with Local Representatives: Reach out to your local councillors and Parliamentary candidates to raise awareness about this issue and seek their support in advocating for fair funding for our school.
Find your West Sussex County Councillors here: Councillor - West Sussex County Council
And your Parliamentary candidates here: UK Parliamentary general election: The 6 candidates in Mid Sussex (whocanivotefor.co.uk) - Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments by following communications from the school and attending any scheduled meetings or information sessions.
We are committed to resolving this issue as swiftly as possible and will continue to work tirelessly to advocate for the fair treatment and funding of The Burgess Hill Academy. Your support and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support of our school.
Warm regards,
Teachers and Support Staff at The Burgess Hill Academy