Publishing teacher qualifications 'will exacerbate student divide'

Government plans to publish information relating to teachers' qualifications and sick days have been criticised by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL).

The organisation noted that as well as leading to more red tape, it will increase social divides.

ATL deputy general secretary Martin Johnson commented: "This is a total rag bag of data. The government seems to be totally confused about who needs to know what and why. We agree with information being made available and schools being held accountable, but they should be accountable to the government, parents and their local community in different ways."

He noted that holding good qualifications does not necessarily mean a person will be a good teacher.

In addition, publishing pupil characteristic data, such as how many pupils are on free school meals, will exacerbate the divide in student intakes and make it easier for "pushy parents" to avoid these schools, Mr Johnson added.

 

 

 

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