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Diana Coad supports St Bernard's |
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Written by Paul Welsh
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Tuesday, 06 April 2010 19:17 |
 Diana Coad, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Slough in the 6 May General Election, has expressed her support for the campaign to save St Bernard's.
Diana says: "My main concern is that pupils who have passed to go to a Grammar School are going to go to what amounts to a comprehensive school i.e. an Academy, and therefore they feel that they have been let down by the Governors of the school and the Diocese taking the decision to change the status of the school.
I fully understand that the school buildings are in a bad state and the Diocese is looking for the government or a company to bail them out so that new buildings can be provided but it would appear that the Government will not help in granting funds for buildings unless the status of the school is changed from a Grammar School to an Academy. It is common knowledge that the Labour MP Fiona Mactaggart and the Labour government are against Grammar Schools. "It is a Foundation School and one must remember that it is therefore the Governors who decide all such matters including Admission procedures and the local authorities have no power to intervene in this matter.
"My feelings if I was one of the parents would be that I and more importantly my children, have been let down. They have worked hard to achieve their aim and goal and have had the rug pulled away from them.
"I went to a Grammar School in the East End of London, only till I was 15 because of family breakdown which necessitated my leaving school, leaving home and working and supporting myself. However, that short time, as a child from a poor family, gave me an insight into what was possible in life. I forever thank my few years at Grammar School. Grammar Schools have always helped disadvantaged children more than any other education.
"This is a special shame because St Bernard's guaranteed that any Catholic Slough child who passed the 11 plus would have a place at St Bernard's School. I am on record as believing that any Slough child that passes the 11 plus should have a place at a Slough Grammar School." Find out more about Diana's election campaign HERE.
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Last Updated on Monday, 19 April 2010 12:41 |