Independent Schools Should Not Run Failed State Schools
The crusade, by David Cameron and Michael Gove the educational secretary, to get Independent schools to take on the educational management of state schools is wrong. David Laws, the ex-Liberal Democrat educational spokesman claimed the core function of an independent school was to the parents who pay the school fees. Depleting this resource by transferring or allocating staff to run an academy or state schools or would be a breach of contract.
Mr Laws’ intervention is obviously heartfelt. Currently waiting in the wings seeking reappointment to the front benches in parliament, this criticism could scupper his plans. But it clearly demonstrates the fervor of his commitment to these controversial views.
Mr Cameron’s policy to convert failing state schools to become academies could wobble. David Law, a close ally of Nick Clegg and respected by many Conservatives is clearly his own man. Reappointing him to the cabinet would capture his intellect but in turn could damage the academy crusade. Pioneered by Lord Adonis, then Labour schools minister, the potential for an academy interface with leading independent schools was always part of the concept. Now it is not so certain. The schools league tables published today show the expected superior performance of independent schools st GCSE compared to the state sector. As yet the academies have yet to emerge as the solution and Independent schools have it all to loose if they take on failing state schools. But the real losers of course are the kids at the failing schools
