Sean Brogan, of Coombe Vale Road, Teignmouth, writes:

The change from a community college to an academy by Teignmouth Community College will come as a shock to many in the area it serves.

The lack of consultation with the local community and the speed of execution may please some of those who were involved in the decision. If this is the undemocratic way in which The Big Society is to be introduced, we, as citizens will have to be aware.

Many of us have had our children educated at this college and were happy with the results of comprehensive system brought in to stop the elitist selection system. The decision of the few to take this road smacks of a lack of care for our community in Teignmouth.

I personally had emailed the college for information on this matter some time ago with no reply.

There may be short term gains in terms of extra money having broken away from the Devon Education Authority, but how long will this money carrot continue? It may mean extra power to some individuals, but how will the staff be treated as they lose their national terms and conditions in the race to the bottom?

Having a decent job with good pay and conditions no longer seems to be acceptable in this new world they are designing except for those at the top.

As citizens, it is our taxes which pay for our children's education and it is our rights which have been affected by this undemocratic decision. This is an excellent introduction to the Condem's Big Society and a wonderful example of how 'we are all in it together'.

This decision seems to more about egos than our children's education and its place in our community. THIS AND OTHER LETTERS IN OUR ONLINE EDITION