|
|
 |
| |
Ken Muller |
‘Show your face’ challenge to academy’s secret donor
Teachers’ leader says: ‘We should not have people trying to buy influence’
THE secret donor bankrolling City University’s half of the funding for the new academy to be built on the site of Islington Green School is being urged to “give themselves up”.
Ken Muller, National Union of Teachers representative at the Islington school, said the academy’s reputation has been “irreparably damaged” by the revelation that a single anonymous donor has pledged £1 million to the university. City University is a co-sponsor, with City of London Corporation, of the £26 million academy.
Mr Muller is waiting to hear from the Information Commissioner whether the identity of the benefactor will be disclosed in the public interest following a Freedom of Information request that uncovered the funding situation.
He said: “You can’t have people funding an academy without being open and frank about who they are. In light of the cash for peerages allegations and the latest Labour Party funding scandal it is inappropriate for this person to remain anonymous.
“Until we know the identity of this person we cannot be sure they are appropriate to fund the school. A school is a public service and we should not have people trying to buy influence.
“The fact they are refusing to name the donor shows this person does have influence and begs the question: why are they frightened? Parents and teachers have the right to know who they are. I urge them to show their face or, if they are sticking to their guns, then they should pull their money out.”
Mr Muller has doggedly pursued his campaign to reveal the identity of the benefactor since the Tribune revealed in January that City University could not find the cash needed to fund the Prebend Street academy.
The documents released to Mr Muller include emails between the government and City University. They say the money is from an “educational/religious/charity
trust” well known to the government. The donor is said to be “well known to the DfES” – the Department for Education and Skills now the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Under academy rules, the anonymous donor is not allowed to play a role in running the school but critics are worried that the sponsor is being used merely as a “front”.
A City University spokesperson said: “One of our donors for the City of London Academy, a philanthropic donor and charitable foundation of excellent standing, has asked to remain anonymous. We will be respecting their wishes.
“City raises funds for a wide range of projects through many sources. For example, through our alumni, trusts and corporations. It is usual practice for us to take philanthropic donations for such initiatives.
“I should also point out that, as a public institution, and one with the mission of serving mankind through the provision of education, we are accountable to and monitored by various sources. The former Department for Education and Skills carried out their own due diligence on the donor, as we too have done, and the Department for Children, Schools and Families are aware of the donor.
“The donor will have no say in the running of the academy. The donation is being made to the university, not to the school.”
The spokesman added that the university had built up a solid reputation for its community initiatives involving young people in Islington.
“The money has been pledged and we expect to receive it once the overall funding agreement with the Department for Children, Schools and Families has been signed,” the spokesman added.
He expected a funding agreement to be signed by the new year.
The 1,000-pupil school is due to become the City of London Academy in September next year. |
 |
|
| |
| Your Comments: |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
