A LOCAL councillor has spoken out against what he describes as ‘suppression’ and ‘oppression’ in some of Cornwall’s academies.

Adding to the ongoing debate surrounding the operation of a number of multi-academy trusts in Cornwall, Cllr Adrian Parsons (Altarnun and Stoke Climsland) has said that there is something ‘fundamentally wrong with the system’.

Ahead of Cornwall Council’s recent motion to discuss whether an advisory group is set up to consider the “matter of mental, emotional health and wellbeing in our schools”, Cllr Parsons expressed his concern surrounding the ongoing activity at schools in Cornwall.

“It is hard to believe that, in some settings, this is how we are delivering secondary education to children in the 21st-century,” he said.

“It is clear that something is fundamentally wrong with the system. I do not believe that anyone is opposed to striving for strong discipline and good results. However, one would hope these aims could be achieved in a way that also allows our children to grow, thrive, and build confidence. As a society, we should not nurture only a select few; we should be encouraging everyone to come with us, ensuring that no child is left behind or excluded.

“Having attended meetings and spoken to numerous parents, it has been deeply sobering to hear their individual stories and experiences. It very much feels as though our SEND children are bearing the brunt of these disciplinarian regimes. We hear of thousands of suspensions, of children being removed from lessons and placed in “reflection” rooms for hours on end.”

Cllr Parsons has described the situation as ‘a profound crisis’, which is being fuelled by the growing prevalence of academies.

“Increasingly, it seems that academisation has become more focused on profit. There appears to be an overriding drive for results at any cost—sometimes at the expense of those who do not quite fit the mould.

“This approach is failing not only our children but also our teachers. It is contributing to serious challenges in recruitment and retention. Is it any wonder that we are hearing so many accounts of teachers becoming disillusioned and reaching breaking point?

“What is undeniable, however, is that the number of distressed children and emotional parents we are seeing clearly demonstrates that something is very wrong. For too long, I feel many have known what is going on; it has been too easy to say it is not our problem, and that academies are not accountable to us. Well, I am afraid we have reached a point where that is simply not good enough.

“These barriers must be broken down, and meaningful dialogue should take place. As a local authority, it is time we stand up and take the lead, ensuring proper scrutiny is carried out on the impact that behaviour policies are having on the mental health and wellbeing of our children. Academies must become accountable for their actions so that we can move toward a better, more inclusive education system for all.”