Thomas Bridge 23 September 2014

Convert all schools to academies, says right wing think tank

All council primary and secondary schools should be converted to academies over the next five years, according to a right wing think tank.

A report from policy exchange – which was established by former education secretary Michael Gove – has said the move would help improve education standards in reading, writing and maths.

Local authorities were also urged to set up their own academy chains or trusts, providing education services legally separate from other council functions.

Jonathan Simons, head of education at Policy Exchange said: ‘A potential perfect storm of a new curriculum and assessment system and a demand for higher standards accompanied by a decline in leadership and local authority capacity means that thousands of primary schools could be set to fail come 2016.

‘Bringing schools together in Academy chains is what is needed. And whilst there are some already moving in this direction, simply leaving it up to individual schools risks being too slow.’

However the general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Christine Blower, branded the plan ‘absurd’, stating recommendations had ‘nothing to do with standards but everything to do with opening up further a free market for education’.

Commenting on the report, Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) said: ‘NAHT is strongly opposed to the forced ‘academisation’ of schools. The report is right to emphasise the unsustainability of forced academisation. This process has tarnished the academy brand among primary schools, possibly beyond redemption.

‘Academy chains do not offer the only effective means of collaboration, nor does structural change offer the only potential for raising standards.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Care and Support Assistant -Longlands

West Northamptonshire Council
13.52ph
About the role We are looking for a dedicated Care and Support Worker to join our team at Longlands Care Home in Daventry. In this rewarding role, you will provide compassionate, person-centred care to older people and those living with dementia, includin Daventry
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Highway Design and Construction Manager

Bolton Council
Grade N, scp50 £62,443 to scp53 £65,663 per annum, plus essential car user allowance
We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Council

Social Worker - Huddersfield Royal Infirmary

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£38,220 - £40,777
Looking to appoint as a Level 2 or Level 3 Social Worker. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner