A MAJOR shake-up of the education sector in Furness is being proposed.

Parents are being asked for their opinions on plans to create a new multi-academy trust, which will be open to all schools in Barrow.

A letter has been sent to all parents with children at Furness Academy to ask for their feedback on the proposals.

MP John Woodcock said he wanted to discuss the proposals with education bosses

“I must confess this has caught me by surprise, I hope those behind the move will pick up the phone and talk me through their plans," he said.

"On the face of it there could be a good synergy between the schools but I want to hear the views of local parents before reaching a judgement.

“Ultimately, we should be prepared to do whatever it takes to drive up standards and close the attainment gap which for generations has seen Barrow children leaving school with numeracy and literacy qualifications lower than the national average. That is letting down our young people and holding back the local economy which needs high skilled new entrants to work on the incredibly advanced things we produce for the nation.”

The new trust aims to develop closer partnerships, strengthen teaching and learning, curriculum development and improve the way services can be bought.

It will involve merging the Furness Academies Trust, which sponsors Furness Academy, and the Inspired Learning Trust, which was established in September 2015 incorporating three schools converting to academy status - Parkside GGI Academy, Victoria Academy and Yarlside Academy.

"The current educational landscape has never provided headteachers, governing bodies and trusts with greater a challenge," said Tony Burbridge, chairman of the Furness Academies Trust and Stuart Knagg, chairman of Inspired Learning Trust, in the letter.

"It is now more important than ever that schools work in partnership to enable the very best educational opportunities and services."

The two trusts are seeking the approval of the Regional Schools Commissioner (North) to merge and form the new trust sponsored by BAE Systems.

It will be called the Furness Futures Multi Academy Trust.

Work on this formal application to merge has already started and phase two would be to incorporate other schools in Barrow interested in joining.

"As a school and as a trust, we believe that this is an exciting and positive opportunity," said Furness Academy head teacher Simon Laheney.

"By working together as a wider family of schools, we can share a joint approach to supporting our students, their families and our staff.

"We would like to reassure you that, although this seems like a big change for our school, both myself, our governors and the trust believe this is the next step in developing educational excellence in Furness and we hope you will support us in this venture.

"An initial meeting has taken place to share this proposal with other schools and our families will be consulted in the near future."

Since 2015, Furness Academy has progressed, through two Ofsted Inspections, from 'Special Measures' to an overall judgement of 'Good' in September 2017.

One of Inspired Learning Trust’s schools is graded outstanding with the remaining two good.

The consultation period for this merger is now open and will remain open until November 9.

Email consultation@furnessacademy.co.uk with any comments or questions.