Mark Whitehead 27 January 2015

No evidence of academies improving standards, say MPs

There is no evidence so far that academies are driving improvement in English schools, according to the cross-party parliamentary education select committee.

But it says the academy programme has led to greater competition which has challenged many maintained schools to improve and encouraged local authorities to intervene more effectively when they underperform.

In its report on academies and free schools the committee says Ofsted must be given full powers to inspect academy chains and calls for much more transparency on what really works.

It argues that the autonomous state schools can be very successful but the government needs to be much more open about the scheme and improve supervision.

It says some academy chains have proved very effective at raising attainment, while others achieve worse outcomes than comparable mainstream schools.

Graham Stuart, the committee's chair, said: 'Current evidence does not prove that academies raise standards overall or for disadvantaged children.

'It is clear though that academisation has led to greater competition, challenging many maintained schools to improve and incentivising local authorities to develop speedier and more effective interventions in underperforming schools.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner