Government is ‘blinded’ by the structure of schools and risks ‘rewarding’ the few at the expense of many pupils
THE regional schools network, SCHOOLS NorthEast, today welcomed Theresa May’s commitment to tackling educational inequality, while urging the Government to focus more on measures that will drive up standards for all and not the few.
Mike Parker, Director of SCHOOLS NorthEast, said: “It is right that tackling deprivation, and its impact on the life chances of young people, should be the number one priority of this Government. But, its obsession with school structure at the expense of all the evidence on what really counts in education has blinded it to the changes that would have the most profound difference.
“More must be done to ensure every classroom in the country has an outstanding teacher delivering an inspiring education for all in well-resourced schools that are led by high quality leaders. Staff shortages, financial constraint and the focus on Ofsted compliance and a narrow core curriculum are hampering schools’ ability to offer the opportunity for all children to shine.”
The Government also announced plans to force universities charging higher fees to sponsor underperforming schools.
Mr Parker commented: “Universities are operating in ever more challenging environments. They should be encouraged to concentrate on their areas of expertise as they are ill equipped to take charge of mainstream schooling. Universities in the North East have a fantastic relationship with schools in the region which is to be encouraged but putting them in charge of struggling schools isn’t the solution.”