Federation will only make our schools stronger (From Surrey Comet)

Federation will only make our schools stronger

10:31am Friday 21st October 2005

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From Shamal Thakar

SIR. Having read Councillor Davis' views (Letters, October 19) regarding the new federation between Coombe and Beverley Boys School, I find it outrageous that someone who has worked so hard in promoting positive change for the local community, is now working hard to destroy the possibility for both of these schools to create an amazing opportunity for all current and future students.

As another ex-Beverley boy, who also attended Coombe sixth form, where I became the head boy, I have personally worked alongside the teachers and students of both schools.

I have also had the opportunity to work alongside the Coombe Girls School headteacher (who was actually quoted as having "outstanding leadership" by the Ofsted inspection team in 2004), and thus am confident that both schools will receive not just good, but excellent leadership.

With respect to Coun Davis' concerns regarding the change in name to Coombe Boys School, I simply ask him to look at the results so far.

Until lately, Beverley has unfortunately suffered from bad press, thus giving the impression to parents that Beverley was a bad school to send their boys.

Also, the name of Coombe has been, and still is, regarded as having an excellent reputation.

Furthermore, this change in name has already brought a £1.5million investment from the LEA, supported by the DfES , which has also kindly offered £6million.

With the further possibility of specialist college status, I'm sure he will agree that this generous financial support will help the fantastic staff at Coombe Boys School, who will be given access to some of the most up-to-date equipment, thus giving pupils an excellent start to their secondary school education.

Finally, Coun Davis' view that the change in name will "strip" the alumni of its dignity is complete nonsense.

The simple fact is, if the so called "dignified alumni" cared so much about the school, they would have done everything possible to make sure the school didn't, until recently, suffer in the way it has done.

It's very easy to criticise others, but where was the alumni when it was needed the most?

Shamal Thakar, Malden Way, New Malden

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