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‘Scant’ evidence that forced primary academisation works, say heads

School leaders are calling for a rethink on forcing ‘inadequate’ schools to become academies as they believe the policy is putting off Head Teachers from taking on challenging primary schools.

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) says that there is little evidence that the approach improves schools. It also says there are ‘many examples of concerning, unintended consequences’ in its report on primary accountability, Sense and Accountability, published today.

The report calls for an overhaul of the system of judging primary schools to make the system better for children and fairer for children. Other proposals concern the focus of Ofsted inspectors, KS2 writing assessments and how Sats results are reported.

And the union recommends that the government “urgently commissions research” into the success of compulsory academisation.

Read the full article in the Tes.

SCHOOLS NorthEast is hosting its inaugural Academies Conference on the 10th May at St James’ Park on the 10th May, and will be joined by Sir David Carter, National Schools Commisioner, as key note. To find out more about the conference and to book your place, click here.

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