CONCERNED parents handed in hundreds of signatures calling for a council-run vote on plans for three York schools to become an academy trust.

A group of parents met Micklegate ward councillor Julie Gunnell at City of York Council’s West Offices headquarters and handed in the 423 ballot request postcards calling for a vote on proposals to unite South Bank school Millthorpe secondary with two of its feeder primaries, Scarcroft and Knavesmire, in an academy trust, opting out of local authority control.

Scarcroft parent Jonny Crawshaw, who lives off Scarcroft Road and has a daughter at the school and a son who is a prospective pupil there, was one of those at the hand-over and said many more ballot requests were being posted in to the council.

He said: “There is concern within the community over plans to convert Millthorpe, Scarcroft and Knavesmire schools into a multi-academy trust.

“This isn’t just about those children at the schools now, it’s about how we want the future of education to develop in York. Severing the link with the local education authority will have a permanent impact across York.

“We have demonstrated significant support for a ballot and we urge the City of York Council to back our call for a parent vote on the matter.”

Cllr Gunnell said she would now pass on the petition to the new executive member for education, Jenny Brooks.

She said: “What the parents and prospective parents want is to make sure they have a voice. I want to make sure everyone knows what is happening and of the implications.”

Earlier this month, The Press reported that more than 150 parents and other interested parties packed in to the Priory Street Centre in York to debate the proposals.

A six-week consultation is currently under way, with parent events being held at each school.

In a statement, the three head teachers - Anna Cornhill at Scarcroft, Adam Cooper at Knavesmire Primary School and Trevor Burton at Millthorpe - said: “We know that there are questions and concerns that many will set alongside the advantages we will present, and these deserve close examination. We have no doubt governors will do that.

“We look forward to these events with parents, staff and residents and we encourage everyone to attend and participate. Governors will conclude their consultation on June 19 and will make a decision shortly after.”

Other schools in York which have already become academies include Archbishop Holgate CE Secondary, Manor CE Secondary and Poppleton Ousebank Primary, along with Haxby Road and Robert Wilkinson primaries.

Parents now plan to hold a picnic on Scarcroft Green at 3.30pm onwards tomorrow for parents from each school. Mr Crawshaw said: “As the schools are each having their own consultation meetings , the picnic will be an opportunity for us all to come together and share our thoughts.”