William Eichler 30 January 2024

Divided education system ‘unsustainable’, think tank warns

Divided education system ‘unsustainable’, think tank warns image
Image: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com.

An education system divided between academies and council-maintained schools has become ‘undesirable and unsustainable’, according to an education think tank.

A new report from EDSK says that operating two parallel systems with different approaches to funding, curricula, governance, admissions, and oversight has created a ‘fragmented and confusing’ school system.

Entitled 20 Years of Muddling Through, the report also argues that having two separate school systems is ‘inherently wasteful’ and makes it harder to ensure public funds are benefitting pupils.

EDSK argues for a more ‘coherent, collaborative and transparent’ approach to state schooling in England.

The think tank recommends that local authorities be put in charge of a coherent admissions system for all state schools, and should act as ‘champion’ for all children and young people in their local area.

Commenting on the report, Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Children and Young People's Board, said: ‘Evidence shows that many council-maintained schools have an excellent performance record, which is why it is vital councils are given a central role in providing education. This includes giving councils the powers and resources to meet their remaining statuary duties in regards to education.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HR Onboarding Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
You have an opportunity to be part of a busy Human Resources team which offers HR support across the Council. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner