A local academy trust has officially been appointed to sponsor Ormskirk School as it changes to academy status; but campaigners are not taking the news lying down...

And it looks like a bizarre Mexican stand off might result between Endeavour Learning Trust (ELT) - appointed by the Department for Education as part of the academisation process - and the school's Foundation Trust.

It says that as it owns the land where Ormskirk School is sited, it can legally refuse entry to anyone from ELT.

Changing from school to academy status means that funding comes directly from the Government rather than LCC and supporters argue it'll give more power and freedom to the head including the ability to opt out of the national curriculum.

It was automatically triggered when Ofsted gave Ormskirk School the worst rating of ‘Inadequate’ after an inspection in May last year.

That came days after current head Martin Witter was appointed and acknowledged improvements made in that time; campaign group ‘Save Ormskirk School’ has since lobbied for a re-inspection to halt the change over and the foundation which owns the school grounds has publicly backed that opposition in recent weeks.

ELT describes itself as a successful education provider and says it has a “strong track record of school improvement.”

It is currently responsible for Tarleton Academy, Burscough Priory Academy, Wellfield High School in Leyland, and Churchtown Primary School in Southport.

Lesley Gwinnett, CEO, said: “We are really excited to be approved by the Government.

"ELT is a local trust and we think this is an excellent local solution for Ormskirk School, which has a fantastic history and huge potential to be an excellent school.

“Our objective is simple – to work with the staff to help build on the school’s existing strengths, assess where improvements need to be made, and help make the school as good as it can be.

“We are looking forward to working with the students, parents and staff of Ormskirk School and to ensuring that the school continues to improve so that the students get the very best education as soon as possible.”

However, the process will remain complicated with Ormskirk School Foundation Trust pursuing legal action against the plans and appealing to Ofsted to carry out another inspection.

In a statement released via FB, its chair Rose Halsall wrote: “The Trust has been in existence for over 400 years. The Trustees are all local people and are here to support the young people of Ormskirk.

“However, as a charity we have to abide by the rules, even if others ignore theirs. We have to protect the assets of the Foundation Trust.

“We own the land upon which the school sits and from the front entrance to the boundary on Wigan Road.

“We have therefore refused permission for anyone from Endeavour Learning Trust to set foot on the site while we mount our legal challenge.“

The Trustees are currently awaiting the arrival of legal advice from a barrister with expertise in educational matters.”

The main reason behind the changing status of the school to the academy is that academies receive direct funds from government rather than LCCA and from other supporters. These academies offer dissertation help online for students on bases of the funds they collect every year.