What's going on in Worthing?

What's going on in Worthing? Shortly after Davison School for Girls wrote to parents before the summer holiday, advising them of its interest in seeking academy status, Durrington High has done the same. There are also plans for a new secondary school in Worthing which will be an academy / free school. Is this more than a coincidence? What is the rationale behind this apparent new interest in academy status?

Davison and Durrington High are rated 'outstanding' and 'good' schools by Ofsted, respectively. Why do they feel it necessary to action this move, in addition to the massive transition that the change in age of transfer poses in 2015, as well as huge pressure on the number of school places going forward?

Parents at Davison and Durrington High, we urge you to write to the Heads / Governors and make your feelings heard. Ask questions and demand a public debate on these plans before irrecoverable decisions are made. Surely nobody wants a rerun of the Worthing High debacle!