William Eichler 29 March 2016

Only 7% of teachers support forced academisation, NUT finds

93% of school leaders do not support the Government’s policy to force all schools to become academies, according to a teachers’ union survey.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) poll, which was completed by 831 leadership group members, also found only 1% of school leaders think that the Government ‘makes decisions on school improvement policy based on evidence.’

In his recent Budget, George Osborne set out plans to convert every primary and secondary school in the country into academies by 2020.

This was immediately met with scepticism. The chair of the LGA’s children and young people board, Cllr Roy Perry, responded that only 15% of academy chains perform above the national average compared to 44% of councils.

‘With mixed evidence about academisation improving standards and when public spending is facing significant cuts, imposing academisation on schools regardless of local opinion cannot be an appropriate use of public money,’ the councillor said.

At the 2016 NUT conference, held in Brighton at the weekend, teachers called for a one-day strike against plans for forced academisation.

The Department of Education accused the union of ‘playing politics with our children's future’, and the education secretary Nicky Morgan insisted there was no ‘reverse gear’ on the reforms.

For more on academies, visit The MJ (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner