Corporations have already established a growing foothold in many UK schools, but the idea of Europe‘s biggest arms company running a school still seems like something out of an Orwellian nightmare.
However, it may be about to happen in Barrow, Cumbria, where BAE Systems is on the verge of taking over the faltering Furness Academy. The proposal is currently going through due diligence before being opened to a consultation with stakeholders, parents and staff, where it is expected to be supported. If it is agreed, BAE will become the school‘s sole sponsor later this year. They will also take responsibility for the ‚strategic direction‘ of the school.