The headteacher at Edgarwood Academy is failing to fulfil their duty of care towards the students.
- Hopwood Radio
- Jun 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 14
Mr. Paul Jones served as the Assistant Headteacher at Middleton Technology School from 2018 to 2024, after which he assumed the position of Headteacher at Edgarwood Academy, succeeding the former Headteacher, Mr. Marcin Kojder.
In 2024, Mr. P Jones took on the role of Headteacher and "promised" that the school would see future improvements. Unfortunately, Edgarwood Academy has become the least favourable school for sending your children.
There are increasing concerns about safety, particularly in classrooms where teachers fail to protect students from harm and physical violence, and allow students to use profanity and record videos of bullying without punishment.
The school staff lack training in supporting and educating students with SEND and instead resort to punishing them for their disabilities, which include Autism, Sensory issues, and other hidden disabilities. The school prefers to place students with SEND in reset or suspend them rather than provide the necessary education and support.
Parents are now choosing to withdraw their children from Edgarwood Academy and seek alternative placements in other schools, stating that it was the best decision they have ever made. They mention that their children are much happier and safer in a different school, as their lives were at risk at Edgarwood Academy due to the lack of safeguarding measures to protect them.
It is concerning that students face bullying not just from their peers, but also from school staff. Parents have also experienced being demeaned and disrespected by the staff. One parent shared that the school staff behave very unprofessionally, speaking to them as if they were insignificant, with no respect whatsoever, which was quite shocking.
A person who wishes to remain anonymous expressed that the headteacher's behavior is disgraceful, and his approach to addressing complaints is concerning. Complaints made to the school do not receive the required attention, and there is no assurance that issues are resolved. I reached out to the Altus Education Partnership CEO Richard Ronksley several times because of the lack of progress with Mr. Jones, but even the CEO of the trust showed no empathy towards the concerns I raised about the school It left me feeling disgusted and demonstrates that safeguarding isn't taken seriously. I believe it's only a matter of time before a more serious incident occurs at the school; you frequently hear about students being stabbed and severely beaten.
Several reports have been submitted to Ofsted and the Department for Education, urging an investigation and inquiry into Edgarwood Academy due to the potential risk to student safety. As seen previously a Video of a student with Autism being bullied by two female students it is evident that safeguarding at the school is a major concern.
Parents have emphasized that enhancements are necessary, as the headteacher, Mr. Jones, is responsible for the well-being of his students. If he is unable to fulfill his duties and take his role seriously, he should step down so that a new headteacher can be appointed who is more trained to safeguard the students from further harm.
A parent shared that students are punished and receive detentions for seemingly arbitrary and absurd reasons. For instance, a student with sensory issues dislikes wearing socks due to their texture and was suspended from school until a meeting was arranged with the school. However, the proposed meeting times were inconvenient as the parent had to manage taking other children to different schools.
Students receive a 30-minute detention after school simply because a pen ran out. Instead of supplying a new pen, as was done when I attended school, they are given detention. It seems as though the intention is to undermine and degrade students rather than boost their confidence. Teachers need better training because, currently, they are worsening the school environment for future students.
If you're considering a place for your children, I wouldn't suggest Edgarwood Academy because of significant safeguarding issues and the frequent detentions given for minor infractions, which could be completely avoided with straightforward solutions.
We have included the latest Ofsted report below for you to learn more about Edgarwood Academy, the school that "Requires Improvement". Mr. Jones remarked the following upon assuming his role as Headteacher:
"'Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), feel happy and safe at Edgar Wood Academy. They are well cared for by staff.'
This statement is far from truthful considering the school's history; in fact, the situation has worsened since Mr. Jones took charge. If you want your children to be safe, steer clear of Edgarwood Academy.
The school also declines to implement EHCPs for SEND students and If you post reasonable comments on their Facebook page, they will simply ban you, as one person informed us. I noticed on Edgarwood Academy's Facebook page that they are hosting a SEN Coffee day, so I added a comment that was neither abusive nor aggressive and stated
"For those who are unaware, April 2nd is also Autism Awareness Day." Shortly after, the page admins banned me for this straightforward comment about Autism Awareness Day. I find this insulting and discriminatory, highlighting that Edgarwood Academy fails to support students and individuals with disabilities.
The actions taken also violate Human Rights regarding freedom of expression, as it was merely a comment aimed at raising awareness. When they banned me from the page, it was a personal attack on me and my own disability.
Please see the following Ofsted Report
The Ofsted report for Edgarwood Academy that states "Requires Improvement." The next inspection is expected around May 2026. If you have any concerns about this school, please contact Ofsted. Their email address is: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk
We must combat discrimination in our schools and support students with SEND needs. Schools need to take additional steps to protect the children in their care.
In the UK, schools are legally obligated to protect and enhance the welfare of children, which includes ensuring a safe learning environment. This obligation is specified in Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 and is reinforced by guidance such as "Keeping Children Safe in Education." We must ensure that schools and the Trusts managing them are made accountable for their actions to safeguard children's safety in education.
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