Plans to involve communities in the running of schools have been described as a “sham” by Richmond’s former schools' head.

Richmond Council last week announced a plan to set up community engagement forums which Councillor Paul Hodgins, cabinet member for schools, said would “give a co-ordinated and regular voice to current and future school parents, as well as the wider community”.

But Councillor Malcolm Eady, his Liberal Democrat counterpart, who was cabinet member for education until his party lost power in May’s elections, said school governing bodies were already doing a similar job and in his experience shared the views of the community.

He added: “It is a recipe for expensive hot air and a sham, as they cannot directly affect outcomes.

“This apparent desire for local engagement, which of course is very desirable, goes against the stated aims of the new Administration to turn all our schools into academies.

“These schools would then be run by a very select group of ex governors, and there would be no guaranteed input from parents or elected representatives.”

Coun Hodgins said the boards would be “inclusive, formal and structured, led by parents and other interested community members” and plans were progressing for one at Richmond Park Academy.

He added he was stunned at Coun Eady’s reaction which would not help the school or the community.

Coun Hodgins added: “Once again Coun Eady has shown that he and the Lib Dem old guard simply don't get it when it comes to community involvement and consultation, and they don't understand what it will take to improve our underperforming schools to the level local parents want.

“This is a positive and important initiative and I would invite the Lib Dems to work with us rather than descending into petty partisan fights which hold the school and the community back.

“This council believes strongly that local people know best. Good schools rest on the strength of strong community engagement that goes beyond a narrow group, however worthy, on a governing body.

“The community board will be the vehicle through which we proactively engage a much larger part of our community with the new academy than has been engaged previously.”