To All Staff

21 April 2006

Dear

The Trustees and Governors have asked me to share with you some confidential discussions that have been taking place during the Easter holidays. The outcome of these discussions is an agreement in principle to transfer Hellenic College to the Knightsbridge Place School Group (KPSG) with effect from the end of the Summer Term 2006. More details of the group and the proposals are set out in a letter which has gone out to our parents today, a copy of which is enclosed for your own guidance.

The welfare of the current pupils and the loyalty and commitment of our staff has been in the forefront of the Trustees' and Governors' minds when considering the KPSG's proposal. They have sought professional advice on various aspects of this change including the statutory procedures to be followed to ensure that all the Hellenic College employees are fully informed and consulted. I will try to explain these.

The Trustees and Governors have been advised that transfer of understandings (Protection of Employment Regulations 2006 (TUPE) will apply to this transfer. The effect of the TUPE Regulation is that staff employed by the Hellenic College will, as a result of the sale of the College, transfer to the KPSG. The staffing requirement in September can only be decided once we are reasonably clear about pupil intake as in late August. However, you will be consulted with extensively before August based on the information available to us. Some reorganisation is inevitable but we hope and will endeavour to keep this to a minimum.

Our legal advisors tell us that the TUPE regulations establish procedures that ensure that everyone is consulted personally and on a transparent basis with the assistance of TUPE representations where needed. Additionally, there will, if appropriate, be a collective consultation procedure under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (as amended.) Similar to the TUPE this provides for employee representatives to be elected or, if you are not happy with electing representatives amongst yourselves, the consultation procedure can be handled by trade union representatives.

I will be able to give you more information about this during the next few weeks. There is nothing you need do immediately other than contact your union representative if you wish. The legal procedures are quite complex and I understand it will take about three weeks to draw up an appointment consultation timetable which I will send to you as soon as it is ready. I am advised that during this period I am not permitted to enter into any discussions regarding any individual posts or specific circumstances.

At the General Staff Meeting on Monday we will need to discuss the best way to deal with questions from parents and pupils. Whilst I appreciate that individual concerns will be foremost in your minds, we must do all we can to ensure that we maintain our very high standards of teaching and pastoral care for all our pupils and especially those taking public examinations.

Finally, I believe this transfer will provide real opportunities and benefits for our school community as a whole for all the reasons explained in the enclosed letter to parents. I very much hope that you will feel you can give this new venture your full commitment and support.

Yours sincerely

Franciska Bayliss
Headmistress