The Conservative uproar over the education bill reveals a focus on political gains rather than improving children's lives in England. While concerns about sexual exploitation gangs are valid, attempts to anchor a public inquiry to the bill undermined its progressive intentions. Changes were made to placate academy leaders, reflecting internal disagreements. The issue of teacher shortages, exacerbated by previous Conservative policies, contrasts with Labour's push for qualifications and cooperation among schools. Many argue there's little evidence that academisation leads to improved educational results, thus questioning the efficacy of the current policies.
Ministers should now draw a line and stand their ground. The shortage of teachers in key subjects is a problem that got worse under the Conservatives.
Measures promoting cooperation and reducing fragmentation across the system are welcome and consistent with Labour values. It is right to give local authorities more say over admissions...
Evidence for academisation as a route to higher standards is non-existent, as they well know. Some studies have found that local authority schools outperform them.
The new fit and proper test for people wishing to run private schools ought to have been in place years ago.
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