Why I became governor of town’s new academy

That is why the executive scrutiny meeting held in July agreed with the cabinet member that a review was needed.

I was, therefore, somewhat surprised the appointment made in August used the old flawed procedure, and that is why I called the decision in.

However, before the meeting was held to consider this matter, the nomination of Abi Reid was withdrawn, leaving me as the sole remaining candidate, and I was then appointed.

The legal advisers to Colchester Academy stated that, ideally, academies up and down the country preferred the local education authority governor to have some connection to the local authority.

This is because academies are stand-alone organisations, but will continue to commission services from the local authority.

As the county councillor for Greenstead, I have been heavily involved in bringing the academy to fruition – a fact acknowledged by many, including the cabinet member, leader of the council and Jude Hanner, the former principal.

This often involved working behind the scenes, insisting the academy remained on the existing site, which was not the original plan.

Given my involvement, I naturally wanted to be involved in this exciting new school and put myself forward as the local education authority governor before the other candidate was nominated. There are 12 governors, all coming from a different perspective, including parent-governor positions.

Therefore, there are other opportunities to gain a place on the governing body for those keen to be involved.

Just to put Mark right, I was the preferred candidate by Essex County Council.

It was the flawed procedure that delivered a different result initially, and that is why there was crossparty support for a review.

I am looking forward to working with other governors and staff to provide a first-class education for local young people, which is what they deserve.

Julie Young
County councillor
Mascot Square
Colchester