Sam Clayden 18 May 2016

Queen's Speech 2016: Education Bill could lead to 'backdoor academisation'

A new Bill unveiled in the Queen’s speech today will legislate for the academisation of all maintained schools.

Nicky Morgan seemingly backtracked on plans to force the conversion of all schools earlier this month.

However, Queen Elizabeth II has today announced the Education for All Bill, which will move the country ‘towards a system where all schools are academies,’ according to the background notes.

Schools will be converted to academies in the ‘worst performing local authorities and those that can no longer viably support their remaining schools, so that a new system led by good and outstanding schools can take their place’.

Several MPs and the local government sector have been strongly opposed to the forced academisation of all maintained schools, claiming there was no evidence conversion improved high performing schools.

Concerns have been raised that cuts to school improvement funding could lead to councils becoming 'unviable' by 2020.

Education committee member Ian Mearns told The MJ Ms Morgan’s U-turn was more of a ‘holding operation’ to buy the Government time and ‘diffuse disarray’ on its backbenches.

Education services grant (ESG) is expected to be cut by 81% by 2018/19 but its phasing out was based on the presumption that all maintained schools would become academies by 2022.

County Councils’ Network finance spokesman David Borrow warned the Government would ‘continue to squeeze funding available to councils’ to provide school support services.

He said cutting ESG ‘to a point whereby it’s almost non-existent will stop local authorities supporting their schools and communities’.

Mr Mearns claimed the reduction of ESG could lead to maintained schools falling into the Government’s definition of ‘unviable’ and therefore becoming at risk of academisation even if they are performing well.

He said: ‘It is inevitable all schools will have to convert. This back door academisation is wrong on so many levels.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Activites Assistants (CASUAL)

Durham County Council
£24,404 (12.65 p.a. hour) - £25,183 (£13.05 p.a. hour)
This is an exciting opportunity for Casual Activities Assistants to join our Leisure and Sport Service.   Leisure Centres are
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pension Administration Officer

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 p.a. (Grade 3) Pay award pending
A vacancy has arisen within Pension Services for an Administration Officer to provide admin and data support to the pensions team and members of the L Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

County Attendance Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £39513
We are seeking to recruit to the role of County Attendance Officer on a permanent basis to work predominately across the North or the South of the county. The team works across the whole of Oxfordshire so flexibility to work in other areas is also require County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Software Engineer Starter

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914
We're looking for an exceptional human to join our digital team to learn the skills and put them into practice, designing, developing and maintaining websites, mobile apps & AI. You'll join us on our journey as we create better end-to-end services for our Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Executive Director - Growth, Enterprise and Environment

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
£139,111.00 (pay award pending)
This is a chance to make a significant difference to the lives of families across our borough – and to seriously improve your quality of life. Redcar and Cleveland House, Kirkleatham Street, Redcar, TS10 1RT
Recuriter: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council
Linkedin Banner