Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Schools merger public meeting
This Friday, Cllr Scott Patient and fellow Luddendenfoot ward councillors have organised a public meeting in Mytholmroyd community centre from 6pm-8pm on Friday, 16 January.
PALT (Pennine Alliance Learning Trust) is in discussions to merge with the established Trinity Multi-Academy Trust (MAT), a large West Yorkshire trust with primary, secondary, and post-16 schools, including flagship Trinity Academy Halifax, aiming to expand its reach by potentially incorporating more Calderdale schools, which has sparked local discussion about parental choice.
Cllr Scott Patient said, "Having sent my three children to Burnley Road Academy and Calder High, like many other parents we have valued the leadership and teaching offered from all of the schools across the recently formed MAT.
"Teaching that worked hard to foster an ethos that reflects our semi rural, tight-knit communities. That stepped up when flooding hit, adapted during Covid and put children first. What we will not accept is any one MAT having a monopoly on education in the Calder Valley.
"Parents and families alike deserve to have their voice heard so that they have a choice for their youngsters' education. We demand answers and transparency from those behind this takeover. This meeting is the first step in doing just that."
This is a meeting for parents, grandparents and carers of children across the PALT - Burnley Road Academy, The Calder Learning Trust, Midgley Primary School, Old Town Primary School and Wainstalls School.
There will be guests from the National Education Union, Unique Ways and Josh Fenton Glynn MP's office.
Organisers have told the HebWeb, "This is to collect questions, concerns and try to answer what we know so far, what we can do and what we can't.
"As former parents ourselves of children across the Multi-Academy Trust we share the community's serious concerns given the huge public outcry over this seemingly forced through decision."
Future meetings will be held for teachers, faculty and governors to be announced.
Unless needed for care reasons please do consider not bringing children. It is intended that everyone has the opportunity to speak.