PUPILS from a Pinner school have rallied to show their frustration with an academies consultation as lawyers issue a warning to governors.

Teenagers from Nower Hill High School, in George V Avenue, say their views have been ignored as the governing body prepares for a decision which could have a major impact on their education.

Dozens of pupils gathered in a gym at the school before marching through the front gates at 3.40pm today.

One sixth form student said: “We are the people who will be affected most greatly. It's our education. We think we haven't been consulted directly at all.

“It makes the students feel frustrated. The school always encourages us to do our bit and to get involved and be active citizens but this seems to be going against what they always say and how our school is run.”

The institution is one of seven proposing to cut ties with Harrow Council, making them more independent and attracting extra funding from the Government.

But critics say it will make them less accountable and decisions on key issues, including admissions criteria, curriculum and teachers' pay, could be decided without consultation under the system.

Nower Hill pupils say there are mixed views about academies among them but say most believe they have not been asked their opinions, and they are not alone in casting doubt on how the process has been run.

Solicitors from Harrow Law Centre say schools need to provide “sufficient information for those being consulted to be able to reach an informed decision” and are offering free legal advice to residents.

Alison East, a solicitor at the charity, told the Harrow Times: “The schools' pupils are being told 'be active citizens, take part, you live in a democracy' and yet the schools don't seem to be trying to actively involve them.”

She added: “There's a kind of generally perceived draw towards the academy programme nationally.

“People may have been swept up in this and forgotten that there's a process to be gone through.

“Schools don't seem to be consulting, as they are required to do so, with people who are going to be affected.”

She also referred to “a want of information about pros and cons” and said discussions with people affected by the decision need to be done in an informed way.

A joint statement released on behalf of the headteachers of all seven schools says: “We believe that the consultation process, which lasted for four weeks, has been open and inclusive.

“The consultation materials were widely distributed, and there have been meetings at each school with staff, parents and with students.

“Harrow Council and other organisations such as the Anti-Academies Alliance have also actively participated to raise awareness of the consultation, and coverage in the local media has helped in this regard.

“The consultation has been longer and higher profile than many academy conversion consultations. We would like to thank everyone who has taken part in meetings or replied in writing or by email.”

The schools considering converting to academies are: Nower Hill, Hatch End, Canons High, Harrow High, Rooks Heath, Bentley Wood, and Park High.

To contact Harrow Law Centre, which has a solicitor with specific responsibility for advising young people, email info@harrowlawcentre.org.uk.