Staff in top teaching jobs 'should have curriculum flexibility'

Staff in teacher jobs at top-performing schools should be allowed greater control over their lessons, the shadow schools secretary has said.

According to Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families Michael Gove, schools which have consistently performed well should be permitted to allow staff in teaching jobs to dictate lesson content to a greater extent.

Mr Gove told the BBC: "The National Curriculum […] says too much about how people should teach.

"If you've got great teachers and a great head then give them the freedom to do what they think is best from the point of view of helping the students pursue their own interests."

Mr Gove's comments were made during a question and answer session with school pupils, held as part of the BBC's annual School Report project.

The Conservative MP has previously served as Shadow Minister for Housing and Planning and has represented the constituency of Surrey Heath since 2005.

Posted by Charlotte Michaels

Published On 11/03/2010