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

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner