Goverment under fire over education policy

According to Sue Fieldman, regional editor of the Good Schools Guide, the current system is "in such a mess".

Responding to news the government no longer requires academy sponsors to pay a £2 million fee, she said: "It doesn't seem to be joined up - the whole policy - it's completely random what's coming out."

She described the academy scheme as a "victim of the lack of government overall thought" and warned it could "cause more problems than it solves".

Asked whether policymakers need to rethink their position, Ms Fieldman said they should take into consideration all aspects of education, including exams, academies and Sats, before making any further changes.

The government's move follows the abolition of the sponsorship fee in universities and further education colleges, as well as for high performing school funders.

Written by Charlotte Michaels

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