The new Education and Adoption Bill “continues the transfer of power from local authorities to central government”, an education law expert has warned.
The Bill, which was presented to Parliament on 3 June, provides that the secretary of state can intervene in so-called “coasting schools”, although the term is not defined, and requires the secretary of state to order failing schools to convert into academies.
Writing in NLJ this week, John Ford, principal at John Ford Solicitors, says: “The matter of judging the success of a school is intensely debated and the views of Ofsted are regarded as critical.
“The main focus driving the government at the moment is academic success. Most experts consider that the quality of leadership and teaching is paramount. However, in my view, this emphasis on results is likely to increase the educational divide.”
