A CORNWALL Councillor has said that he is overwhelmed by the stories he’s been sent in light of a meeting held by parents and carers of students at Launceston College.

The public meeting was held to discuss topics related to the school’s management of discipline and how it educates the town’s young people amid ongoing criticism from parents and students at the school.

Athena Learning Trust, the academy chain which operates the school, was not in attendance but said it understood how much families care for their children’s experience.

The meeting concluded with a resolution by parents to call on “our elected representatives to ask the Department for Education how these issues and experiences can be monitored and addressed? With no choice of where to send our children Athena must adapt their management style to be more inclusive and fair. Parents want more transparency and more say in key decisions."

After the meeting, families continued to share their concerns with relevant stakeholders, including the Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Altarnun and Stoke Climsland.

Cllr Adrian Parsons said: “Following the meeting in the Town Hall to discuss the challenges families have been going through at Launceston College and my subsequent post trying to address and acknowledge what had been said, I’ve been somewhat overwhelmed by the response and the incredibly sad personal stories I’m hearing.

“I would like to thank all the parents, teachers and other professionals who have reached out to make contact, as I understand it’s not easy. I’m trying to process the information received and catch up with others to talk through their experiences.

“Working with other colleagues we are progressing with actions and meetings. Whilst there is no quick fix I hope by all pulling together we can bring about change to improve the lives of the children, trying to navigate their way through the education system.”

After the meeting, Athena Learning Trust said: “At Launceston College, we understand how much families care about their children’s experience, particularly when there is wider discussion in the community. It is important to us that parents and carers feel informed, reassured and able to hear directly from us about the work taking place at the college.

“We are proud of the progress made in recent years through the combined efforts of our students, staff and families, and we remain fully committed to continuing that journey. Our priority is ensuring every child feels safe, supported and able to succeed, which underpins everything we do, from attendance and behaviour to SEND provision and academic outcomes.

“We are also pleased to see our work supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities making a real difference, particularly through our Alternative Resource Base, which helps young people gain qualifications, build independence and prepare for the next stage of their lives.

“We will continue to work openly and constructively with families, and we welcome ongoing dialogue to support every child to thrive, we encourage families to contact the college directly with any matters they would like to raise.”