The Future

Michael Gove gave his speech today in Birmingham at the Conservative Party Conference. He said he was passionate about his determination to improve the education of the poorest in the country.

Before he took to the podium Dan Moynihan spoke for Harris Academies (schools sponsored by Lord Harris). He criticised Local Education Authorities for their 'poverty of ambition' and announced that there would be another 20 Harris Academies starting in the near future. He spoke of the 'freedom' they had found from being released from the grip of local authority control. Patricia Sowter a Head from a Primary Academy, called the Cuckoo Hall Primary, also spoke of her school's success without Local authority control. Both declared themselves accountable to parents and the children. Patricia said that the schools could 'define our own future and control'. 'Freedom' from local authority was central to all these people's thesis on why they were successful.

A few questions to consider:

Why should local authorities have this 'poverty of ambition' compared to those working in the schools? Is there something intrinsic to local authorities that makes them unhelpful in supporting schools?

Is accountability to central government, sponsors, parents and children of the schools enough?

Should there be a wider local democracy that involves the democratic vote for control and support of schools which, after all, is the basis for the establishment of local authorities?

What is the nature of the accountability that these speakers claim they have to parents and children?

Discuss