Gaining academy status 'will not magically transform schools'

Professionals in teaching jobs have been advised not to expect an instant change if their school gains academy status.

According to education union Voice, many schools in Britain have become interested in becoming an academy because they believe it will give them greater freedom.

However, general secretary Philip Parkin insisted that giving institutions a new title will not lead to them being "magically" transformed.

He said Voice does not want the pursuit of academy status to result in the UK developing a "two-tier" education system.

Mr Parkin added that this could damage the ability of local authorities to "deliver central services to maintained schools".

He was speaking after education secretary Michael Gove said he believes people in teaching jobs know how to run their schools better than politicians and local bureaucrats.

Mr Gove also noted that the response to the government's recent invitation for schools to gain academy status has been "overwhelming".

Posted by Theo Foulds



Published On 07/06/2010