Head Teachers could take ‘industrial action’ against academisation
Aggrieved Heads voted overwhelmingly against the academisation of all schools during the NAHT annual conference.
Almost all delegates (95%) voted for the motion that says “no schools should be forced to become an academy”, which was amended to include a ‘last resort’ resolution that could result in “industrial action to ensure the defence of our comprehensive state education system.” The motion also commits the executive to “continue to challenge the perception that structural change is a panacea for improvement”.
Education Secretary Nicky Morgan spoke at the conference and was met with disdain from delegates after saying the new primary school tests (that have caused turmoil amongst parents concerned about their children’s stress levels and led to a national boycott on Tuesday) were not about pass or fail: “this is about knowing how children are making progress at the end of their primary school years.”
A Head Teacher in the audience asked Mrs Morgan whether she was in charge of the department or Nick Gibb. The response led to more heckling and “I’m not going to dignify that sexist remark with a comment”.
You can read Nicky Morgan’s speech at the NAHT annual conference in Birmingham here. Russell Hobby, the association’s general secretary’s speech is also available to read here.
Further reading:
NAHT conference: industrial action threat over academies (BBC)
Nicky Morgan Labels Headteacher’s Question ‘Sexist’ At NAHT Conference (The Telegraph)
Headteachers may launch industrial action over academies plan (The Guardian)