TEACHING unions are vowing strikes and legal action as a Kenton school reportedly votes to become an academy.

Angry staff and parents last night picketed a meeting at Claremont High, in Claremont Avenue, where governors were due to vote on whether to cut ties with Brent Council.

The school has not yet issued a statement but union representatives say the plans were approved, despite a secret ballot showing opposition among 70 per cent of employees.

Hank Roberts, junior vice president of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said: “It's a disgrace.

“Nearly three quarters of staff opposed this idea and the headteacher just went ahead. He didn't take on a similar process to find out what parents thought – to find out what percentage supported it or opposed it.

“It's important for a school to keep staff happy. Doing things that they are completely against is not going to keep them happy.

“We will continue to fight this by both legal and industrial action and we remain opposed to the privatisation of state education.”

Academy status would increase the school's budget and give it greater independence from the council, allowing governors control over the curriculum, admissions criteria and pay structure for staff.

But changes to these areas would not require a consultation with the community and critics say this leaves schools less accountable.

The school has held face to face meetings with some parents but it is unknown what views were expressed or how many people were involved.

Mr Roberts had called for a full consultation of all parents and said those who turned out last night were not allowed to lobby governors.

The Harrow Times has requested a response from the school and is waiting for a reply.