STUDENTS are protesting at proposals to turn their Colchester secondary school into an academy.

Members of Philip Morant’s sixth form council have launched a petition against the school becoming an academy, saying the move would reduce accountability.

They have set up a Facebook page called “No to Philip Morant academy”.

The students complained a consultation, launched earlier this month, lacked detail and said students, staff and parents had not had a proper opportunity to voice their concerns.

Joseph Chroston Bell, joint head of the sixth form student council, said letters inviting parents to an information evening on Monday were sent out too late for some to attend.

He said: “Only 30 people attended and no negative opinions were allowed to be raised.

“Union representatives for the staff were not invited to speak during the meeting.

“They were only allowed to give a letter to parents at the end.

“I am all for an unbiased representation of the arguments, but I worry the converse argument is being silenced.”

“We are extrememly worried about this as a student body.

“It is my job to make sure our opinion is heard.”

Mr Bell has requested a full question and answer session with the governors.

The school, in Morant Way, launched a consultation earlier this month. It has already submitted an initial application to the Department for Education to become an academy.

A final decision is expected to be made by governors on July 13.

Academy status would allow the school to choose its curriculum, introduce its own pay and conditions for staff, change term times and the times of classes.

Colchester MP Bob Russell criticised the consultation. He said it should include feeder primary schools and the wider community.

Speaking earlier this week, deputy headteacher Rob James said the school was still open-minded and could withdraw the application.

Dominic Mulholland, deputy headteacher, said: “The consultation does include questions and concerns both positive and negative.

“Students are hearing the same presentation which has been given to staff and parents and they are involved in the consultation process like anyone else.

“Throughout the consultation advantages and disadvantages can be raised.

“The letters were sent out to parents according to the schedule provided by the governing body.

“My understanding is a decision hasn’t been made and the governors will be taking all views into consideration when making their decision.”