Teaching unions have reacted to the damning results of a survey about secondary school education currently on offer in St Neots.  

The community recently shared their views about Longsands Academy and Ernulf Academy which are both run by the Astrea Academy Trust.  

From the 566 responses, the survey found that 92 per cent of respondent, the survey found 92 per cent were “not very confident at all” and “not very confident” in the trust’s leadership. 

Both the National Education Union (NEU) and the NASUWT teaching union said they are aware of the issues.  

Mark Burns, a NASUWT National Executive, said: “Senior management of the schools and Astrea have consistently listened to issues from staff, parents, students and unions and done next to nothing.  

“They are focussed with an almost evangelical zeal in a belief that they know best and their way is the only correct way.   

“They will pay lip service to the complaints, make it look like they are changing and either do nothing or go back on their word.” 

He added the trust’s strict behaviour policies have “been a long-running complaint” from staff, students and parents. 

Paul McLaughlin, Regional Secretary for the NEU, said it “is aware of significant issues” at Longsands Academy.  

He said: “We are currently working with the employer to resolve the areas of concern, which include ensuring that Longsands retains and attracts high quality staff in sufficient numbers.” 

The survey was carried out by MP Anthony Browne, who is campaigning to be the next Conservative MP for Mid Cambridgeshire and St Neots. 

An Astrea Academy Trust spokesperson said: “We’ve responded in detail to the points raised by the recent survey and look forward to discussing this with Anthony Browne.   

“We regularly arrange visits to all sorts of schools so that our leaders can see first-hand practice in other excellent schools, many of which are amongst the very best in the country.” 

She added the trust “will continue to engage constructively with the unions”.