SOUTHEND schools could miss out because of the growth of academies, opposition councillors fear.

Academies are schools which are free from council control. This means they can set pay and conditions for staff and decide how they teach and the lengths of terms and school days.

Under the Government’s plans to expand academies, two Southend schools have changed status as of October 1 – Westcliff High School for Boys and Westborough Primary School.

But concerns were raised about different school terms and the effect on the council’s schools funding at a meeting of the children and lifelong learning scrutiny committee.

Barry Godwin (Lib Dem, Leigh) said: “One thing bothers me. Schools will have the freedom to do what they want, from finance to curriculum to when they open and close.

“What power and influence will the council have to say, ‘You must consider other schools when you have one child at an academy and a brother or sister somewhere else?’ “How will those families be able to go on holiday?”

Sue Hadley, head of children’s commissioning, said: “Academies would have to consult on changing term times.

“We would encourage them to work as partners with other schools in Southend. We don’t want parents to be in a difficult position.

“I’m not anticipating a massive desire to change the beginning or end of terms.”

Ms Hadley said councils will still have power over certain services like special educational needs support.

She also explained the council’s dedicated schools grant for all schools in the town will be reduced as a result of the creation of academies.

Ian Gilbert (Lab, Victoria) said: “How many schools would have to opt out before you start seeing a deterioration in the conditions of the services we can provide to other schools?

“Isn’t there a danger that schools like Cecil Jones, which aren’t likely to become academies and require extra resources, will be disadvantaged?”

Paul Greenhalgh, corporate director for children and learning, admitted this could be an issue.

He said: “You are right identifying the impact of this additional pressure on the system which we need to manage very carefully.”

Mr Greenhalgh also reassured Ric Morgan (Lib Dem, Prittlewell) academies would be subject to national admissions guidance, co-ordinated by the council, and would not be able to control who they select.