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Original poster

Dunottar/ Reigate Grammar - Merger, or what?

999 replies

quandry · 31/01/2013 20:56

Got the letter today, and I have to say I don't really understand what is going on?
Is RGS bailing out Dunottar to save it going under?
I can't see the advantages for RGS at all?

Someone suggested that perhaps they'd make it co-ed, less academic school in the future (like a Box Hill in Reigate?) and share facilities more? (Sports fields closer than Hartswood?)

OP posts:
DorkingMum · 28/02/2014 19:38

So is it true then that DV, UL and a small group of pro-UL governors rushed through a decision & contract overnight with their lawyers to try to steamroller over and prevent another meeting with the other governors from happening this morning? Hmm

If so, then yes, Batman, I suspect their will be an enquiry (but not the one you're thinking of) and the lawyers will be rubbing their hands in glee at the prospect of the elongated process yet to come...

Sheldonswhiteboard · 28/02/2014 19:57

If the board of governors followed the requirements that would be set down in their terms of reference for decision making and voting then there should be no reason for a challenge to be made. I have read the letter to prospective parents and wonder at why it was necessary to work through the night to ensure contracts could be signed at 8am but maybe this was because they wanted to end the uncertainty over the whole process.

elsma · 28/02/2014 20:08

Absolutely, time has been of the essence. Every day that there was a cloud over the school, it was under increasing threat. The open day on Wednesday got some really positive responses yet not being able to be clear on ownership was tricky. For prospective parents - and current ones - it is essential that there is clarity on who will run the school. We don't just select on the it being guaranteed as staying open!

Bo72 · 28/02/2014 20:09

Dorkingmum, your seemingly very cross last post prompted me to look back thru your other posts, which are also very cross. I'm intrigued to know why you are so angry?

Lysette84 · 28/02/2014 20:15

Dorkingmum - a vote cannot take place without all the governors present, all that were left I am sure were there to agree. And anyway it doesn't matter anymore as the school has a future with a fantastic organisation And can finally move on from the hell I has been through. Perhaps if these proposals had been reviewed prior to announcing closure, as is the norm, then an overnight meeting might not have been necessary. However it was and now the parents, students and staff can sleep well in the knowledge that a caring, supportive charity is now looking after them. Give the school a couple of years and bet it will be full. Fantastic place full of fantastic people.

Batman111 · 28/02/2014 21:04

DorkingMum

Why O why can't you have the good grace to be happy for the school, teachers and the girls, all who have been put through this unnecessary and protracted hell. This had to be concluded urgently, the sudden appearance of 3 extra "providers" turned out not to be credible. Why do you think Walker resigned? Dunottar is now probably one of the most financially secure schools in Surrey. My guess is it will soon be oversubscribed. The governess had a legal duty to do what was in the best interest for the school, they did just that and it is why they have had such a deluge of praise. There will be good coverage in the press next week.

Petalpower1 · 28/02/2014 21:10

Dorkingmum,
Let me spell it out for you - there is no way that RGS will want an inquiry into what's gone on, never mind taking legal action against UL, because then the whole sordid story of exactly what certain RGS figures have been up to will come out into the open. But I really really hope I'm wrong!!!! Grin

Urmel · 28/02/2014 21:10

Dorkingmum, it hadn't occurred to me that (reputable?) lawyers of Dunottar would participate in an intrigue led by some governors against other governors of the same institution. That's shocking!
And why are the governors split?

Was there a better bid out there?

Is there going to be an inquiry into the lawyers?
Who is going to pay for that?

Bo72 · 28/02/2014 21:28

Cripes :) trying to watch telly, but this is far more intriguing! Why is dorking mum so grumpy? Anyone know?

Batman111 · 28/02/2014 21:52

An eminent QC would not get involved in anything that was not 100% correct. Dunottar hired an expert with a proven record in this type of work. That's why Dunottar prevailed and the right thing was done, they can hold their head up high, Walker resigned, Why?

Bo72 · 28/02/2014 21:53

Yes, why did he resign?

TiredAndDetermined · 28/02/2014 21:56

Urmel: it is indeed shocking that some governors might undertake acts of "intrigue" against others... but I think I'm on a very different page to you on that.
The board reviewed the only bid that was available to review. They found it to be highly suitable. They acted. Well done board.
Not a bad thing. Just (finally) due process to guarantee the future of an excellent school.

Luckypup22 · 28/02/2014 21:58

It does seem all cloak and dagger, working secretly through the night to make a deal, and stories changing daily but thankfully a deal has been made and all parties are happy, Dunottar stay open and have the backing and funds to continue on and RGS no longer have the burden and expense of carrying a loss making school. Win win all round.

Petalpower1 · 28/02/2014 22:08

As they say across the pond, what goes around, comes around. Justice done and served in generous portions.

Bo72 · 28/02/2014 22:11

Luckypup22, it is my understanding that RGS didn't put any money whatsoever into Dunottar during the time they were "supporting" Dunottar, so I think your use of the word "carrying" and reference to "expense" (what expense?) is perhaps misguided & in turn, misleading. This information is available in the public domain. But you are certainly correct in saying that Dunottar is very happy to be not only staying open, but to have such great support. I attended the open morning and having now seen first hand what the school offers I am very much looking forward to my kids being part of its great future.

Suzy78 · 28/02/2014 22:15

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Batman111 · 28/02/2014 22:16

RGS has have NO expense, no money was given, they admit that themselves. This will all come out in the press but I am sure it will all be forgotten in about 10 years time.

Bo72 · 28/02/2014 22:20

I know I shouldn't laugh, but Suzy, you MADE me ! #badsuzy

Urmel · 28/02/2014 22:25

TiredandDetermined: if an eminent QC was involved on the side of the UL governors I cannot understand what Dorkingmum is complaining about: Dunottar School survives - surely the objective of any wellmeaning parent or governor - with the future guaranteed for a decade (which school offers that to parents?)

My question to Dorkingmum remains: What better offer was there to split the governors? or Was there a split at all? WHO do you want investigated for WHAT?

Bo72 · 28/02/2014 22:27

I said a while back that I would consider Dunottar because of, and not in spite of, what has gone on of late. Suzy you have raised a very important point. I will not be considering RGS unless the governors that played a part in this mess are removed, no sane person would. This has thrown up some serious trust issues.

Forago · 28/02/2014 22:30

as a local I also find this thread intriguing, relevant and a fascinating study into the socioeconomic demographics of Reigate and surrounding areas. I do however wonder what the rest of the 99.99% of people in the world that use mumsnet make of it all!

mind you it makes a change from people banging on about London schools I suppose.

Luckypup22 · 28/02/2014 22:36

It's interesting to see how this forum has thrown up different opinions, Bo72 you seem to haven fallen for dunottar but I have to say I have been completely put off from it due to the awful smugness and one up manship that D appear to have against RGS, it just comes across as jealously I'm afraid. This potential future parent will be looking elsewhere, I would not want to be involved in a community with such nastiness.

Bo72 · 28/02/2014 22:37

If I were an RGS parent at this moment in time, I would want to know what has really taken place. Firstly, I would want to know why Alan walker resigned. Then I would want to know everything about the remaining RGS governors that are also on the Dunottar board, until UL board replaces them. I would want to be 100% sure that the people with huge influence on my kids schooling, are trustworthy. I have followed all this with interest throughout & I would have thought any RGS parents also following would want to know. Blind loyalty is very, very irresponsible, especially when it involves your kids.

Petalpower1 · 28/02/2014 22:44

Ginger Hobbit - LOL!!! I nearly spat out my champagne! Well done Suzy!

Bo72 · 28/02/2014 22:47

Luckypup, You are entitled to your opinion, and yes, I have fallen for Dunottar. But actually, before this, i knew little of it. I haven't encountered nastiness. What I have seen is immense dedication and a quest for a right outcome. That appeals to me. Possible improper behaviour inferred to and some peoples blind loyalty to RGS board considering a lot of doubt surrounding its motives, certainly does not appeal to me - that would be basically, insane, don't you think? Will you feel differently do you think if some of these inferences turn out to be truths? If that happens we might all have better insight into Dunottar parents immense dedication and perhaps the smugness you describe, which could then just look more like righteousness, which in the face of wrong doing is surely to be respected?