A Bradford history teacher and union official have been invited to give evidence to a Government inquiry which will assess the impact of city academies.

Chris Cheetham, a history tutor at Rhodesway School in Allerton, will travel to the House of Commons next Tuesday with Ian Murch, NUT Bradford branch secretary.

Plans have been mooted to turn Rhodesway into a city academy. However, Mr Cheetham has led a campaign against the proposals.

He said he would outline the reasons why he was against his school becoming an academy to the cross-party committee of MPs.

"If we have academy status there is no proof that standards will improve, the school will not be accountable or give value for money.

"We want an open school for all children and all cultures."

Mr Cheetham added he did not believe the Government would change its mind on academies. It has announced it wants a total of 400 to be built around the country.

Mr Murch said academies could pose a "real risk of dividing people in the same community" if they were developed according to a single faith.

"Many inner-city schools need more money spending on them and fresh thinking to improve standards. That does not mean just finding a private sponsor but seriously thinking about raising attainment."

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