Education Union Expresses “Deep Concern” Over Trust’s School Staff Reduction Plans

An education union has labeled as “deeply concerning” the intentions of a multi-academy trust to reduce the number of teaching and support personnel across two of its educational institutions. Synergy informed parents that it was encountering “a number of financial challenges” and would consequently need to assess staffing levels at Reepham High School and College (RHSC) and Litcham School, both situated in Norfolk, near King’s Lynn. According to BBC information, these proposed reductions would result in 16 teachers, one senior leadership team member, and eight non-teaching staff losing their positions at Reepham, alongside five anticipated job losses at Litcham. Scott Lyons, who serves as the branch secretary for the National Education Union (NEU), stated: “These changes will have a significant impact on the quality of education, support for students, and staff well-being.” Synergy, having been contacted for a statement, announced that a staff consultation procedure is scheduled to commence in January, with individuals impacted by the changes not resuming their roles for the academic year starting in September. Synergy communicated in a letter to parents of RHSC students that the strain on school budgets was “immense,” and that government under-funding, coupled with declining student numbers attributed to Norfolk’s birth rate, meant that not all available school places were occupied. The trust indicated that its thorough review would identify areas for cost savings, “while minimising the impact on the overall functioning of the school.” It further asserted: “We will continue to ensure that RHSC provides a high standard of education.” The statement continued: “The school will enter a period of change and we will be restructuring the staffing at the school, which will mean that a number of teaching and non-teaching roles will no longer be part of the structure in September 2025.” Synergy acknowledged that it understood the proposed alterations were “concerning” and affirmed its “committed to ensuring our curriculum delivery remains unaffected.” Anna, a parent with two children attending Reepham, one of whom is a daughter in Year 11 diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder, commented: “She doesn’t find things easy but the teachers are absolutely fantastic; I can email them and they are so ‘on it’.” She continued: “We are going to lose some incredible teachers and they cannot possibly continue with that level of support with fewer staff.” Anna added: “From a parent’s perspective it’s extremely concerning – we’ve found this out just before Christmas and it’s confusing what’s going on, we’re piecing together information.” Mr. Lyons indicated that the NEU represents a “significant number of members” who are directly impacted by the proposals at both educational institutions. He further stated: “Their dedication to their roles is unwavering, but they face uncertainty and disruption that could undermine the stability and morale of the school community.” He also mentioned that parents have expressed their “huge concerns” on social media regarding the potential ripple effect on their children’s education and the trust’s capacity to uphold teaching and support standards. Mr. Lyons concluded by urging: “We understand the financial pressures facing schools nationally, but we urge the trust to prioritise transparent consultation, minimise job losses, and explore all possible alternatives to protect staff livelihoods and ensure stability for pupils.” Synergy, headquartered at Reepham High, operates an additional 13 schools within Norfolk, encompassing high schools located in Sheringham and Stalham. For updates on Norfolk news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.