Gatwick School will have two heads:
http://www.thisissussex.co.uk/Crawley-s-newest-school-Gatwick-School-2-head/story-20067819-detail/story.html#axzz2l1E8uuM3
Paul Reilly:executive head
Simon Ruscoe-Price: secondary head.
Monday 18 November 2013
Roman Catholic Church to resist free schools til faith cap is revised
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2013/11/15/bishops-urge-gove-to-drop-admissions-cap-for-new-academies/
The Catholic Herald said: "During their plenary meeting the bishops agreed that a 50 per cent cap on pupils chosen because of their faith was “not a secure basis” for a Catholic school. In a statement released today the bishops’ conference said it will urge dioceses “to resist any pressure to establish a school on that basis”."
Also the Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/10452994/Roman-Catholic-Church-says-no-new-academies-over-cap-on-believers.html
Swedish free school model - money pressure to raise grades
Money may have been the motive behind a Swedish headteacher's alleged attempt to pressurise teachers to raise grades.
http://www.thelocal.se/20131114/swedish-principal-asked-teachers-to-raise-grades
The article mentions the Mikael Elias company which "operates nine high schools across Sweden and belongs to the consortium Academedia"
In May the Guardian reported on the failure of JB Education - a venture-capitalist owned free school operators
http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/may/31/free-schools-education
Two other Swedish school companies: Kunskapsskolan and Internationella Engelska Skolan (IES) run schools in the UK. Both are owned by private equity companies. Kunskapsskolan's non-profit UK arm, Learning Schools Trust, operates schools in Suffolk, Northamptonshire and two in Richmond, south-west London. IES (cited as an inspiration for the Conservative push for free schools) has a trust named Sabres via which it has operated a free school in Breckland, Suffolk, since 2012.
http://www.thelocal.se/20130808/49530
The Local (English-speaking Swedish news)reported on the changes following the failure of JB Education - including more scrutiny of companies taking over free schools - it reported JB Education had debts of more than £150 million.
http://www.thelocal.se/20131114/swedish-principal-asked-teachers-to-raise-grades
The article mentions the Mikael Elias company which "operates nine high schools across Sweden and belongs to the consortium Academedia"
In May the Guardian reported on the failure of JB Education - a venture-capitalist owned free school operators
http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/may/31/free-schools-education
Two other Swedish school companies: Kunskapsskolan and Internationella Engelska Skolan (IES) run schools in the UK. Both are owned by private equity companies. Kunskapsskolan's non-profit UK arm, Learning Schools Trust, operates schools in Suffolk, Northamptonshire and two in Richmond, south-west London. IES (cited as an inspiration for the Conservative push for free schools) has a trust named Sabres via which it has operated a free school in Breckland, Suffolk, since 2012.
http://www.thelocal.se/20130808/49530
The Local (English-speaking Swedish news)reported on the changes following the failure of JB Education - including more scrutiny of companies taking over free schools - it reported JB Education had debts of more than £150 million.
Thursday 14 November 2013
Hounslow targets free schools to fill gap in schools budget
http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/free-schools-could-help-council-6299705
Council leaders see free schools as a solution to the huge funding shortage for new school places. Hounslow must provide another 3,150 primary school places by 2015/16 but there is a funding shortfall of £45 million and even if it digs into its reserves, as planned, it will be £29m short of the necessary cash for that expansion. Council leaders are keen to attract free schools because they would get central government funding, reducing the burden on the council to pay for new places. Councillor Tom Bruce, cabinet member for education, claims in his report that the new statement of intent will ‘...set the context for a productive relationship through which the council would provide appropriate support to applicants, where they are contributing to new school places for local children’.
Council leaders see free schools as a solution to the huge funding shortage for new school places. Hounslow must provide another 3,150 primary school places by 2015/16 but there is a funding shortfall of £45 million and even if it digs into its reserves, as planned, it will be £29m short of the necessary cash for that expansion. Council leaders are keen to attract free schools because they would get central government funding, reducing the burden on the council to pay for new places. Councillor Tom Bruce, cabinet member for education, claims in his report that the new statement of intent will ‘...set the context for a productive relationship through which the council would provide appropriate support to applicants, where they are contributing to new school places for local children’.
Gove blames LAs for eight-month delay in school estates survey
From Education Investor:
http://www.educationinvestor.co.uk/(X(1)A(3w6YxW8VzwEkAAAAZTdiYTY1MDItYmFjZi00OGJkLTgwZjctMmEzNmI1YTA4ZTQwStUm5ZndiQoPTTTd4bLSLIwMh1I1)S(uhafs2j13x3c1345xvewv445))/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=3596
Gove blames LAs for eight-month delay in school estates survey.
Michael Gove: government's survey of the English schools estate is running eight months behind schedule.
Delay due to the “inaccuracy” and “inconsistency” of council data.
Gove blames LAs for eight-month delay in school estates survey.
Michael Gove: government's survey of the English schools estate is running eight months behind schedule.
Delay due to the “inaccuracy” and “inconsistency” of council data.
Fee paying school considers converting to free school
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/merseyside-catholic-college-unveils-plans-6294814
St Mary’s College, in Crosby, founded by the Christian Brothers in 1919, has announced plans to consult with stakeholders on whether it should bid to the government to change from fee-paying and become a free school throughout its four-18 age range.
St Mary’s College, in Crosby, founded by the Christian Brothers in 1919, has announced plans to consult with stakeholders on whether it should bid to the government to change from fee-paying and become a free school throughout its four-18 age range.
Union warning over academy status
http://www.ripleyandheanornews.co.uk/news/local/union-s-school-academies-warning-1-6229984
Union bosses have issued a warning about academy schools following the shock downgrading of Heanor Gate Science College from ‘outstanding’ to ‘inadequate’. A recent Ofsted inspection put Heanor Gate Science College from ‘outstanding’ to ‘inadequate’ and into ‘special measures’, despite classing the college as outstanding before it converted into an academy in 2011. Keith Muncey, NASUWT national executive member for Derbyshire, said: “There’s a warning here for other schools that might consider becoming an academy. The Government has pushed academies as a kind of liberation - so they can do whatever they want and as a result they will only get better.
Union bosses have issued a warning about academy schools following the shock downgrading of Heanor Gate Science College from ‘outstanding’ to ‘inadequate’. A recent Ofsted inspection put Heanor Gate Science College from ‘outstanding’ to ‘inadequate’ and into ‘special measures’, despite classing the college as outstanding before it converted into an academy in 2011. Keith Muncey, NASUWT national executive member for Derbyshire, said: “There’s a warning here for other schools that might consider becoming an academy. The Government has pushed academies as a kind of liberation - so they can do whatever they want and as a result they will only get better.
Yorkshire post: police may look at deal between top Tory's firm and bradford school
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/education/police-may-investigate-top-tory-s-free-bradford-school-land-deal-1-6226219
West Yorkshire Police have been asked to investigate the circumstances surrounding a £6m land deal between a scandal-hit free school and a company owned by one of the Conservative Party’s most senior figures.
West Yorkshire Police have been asked to investigate the circumstances surrounding a £6m land deal between a scandal-hit free school and a company owned by one of the Conservative Party’s most senior figures.
Future Academies: Pimlico primary playground questions
http://www.westendextra.com/news/2013/nov/lord-nashs-future-academies-chain-under-fire-over-bid-axe-playground-pimlico-primary-s
"The outcome of a secret report agreed that the playground (Churchill Gardens Primary) and another building on Lupus Street will be “released from educational purposes”.
Future Academiestook over the school just days after the deal to close the playground was agreed."
The Department for Education must agree to any loss of school land. Jonathan Glanz and schools boss Danny Chalkley agreed to write to the education secretary Michael Gove and ask for his permission.
"The involvement of Lord Nash, a close ally of Mr Gove, has been questioned, as permission to dispose of a playground at the school run by his education charity will now be sought from the government department that he works in."
"The outcome of a secret report agreed that the playground (Churchill Gardens Primary) and another building on Lupus Street will be “released from educational purposes”.
Future Academiestook over the school just days after the deal to close the playground was agreed."
The Department for Education must agree to any loss of school land. Jonathan Glanz and schools boss Danny Chalkley agreed to write to the education secretary Michael Gove and ask for his permission.
"The involvement of Lord Nash, a close ally of Mr Gove, has been questioned, as permission to dispose of a playground at the school run by his education charity will now be sought from the government department that he works in."
Updated financial handbook
The Academies Financial Handbook 2013 has been updated with these amendments:
http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/executiveagencies/efa/efaebulletins/h00229303/issue-39/academies-financial-handbook-update
31 October 2013 update:
Granting of leaseholds on land and buildings (paragraph 2.4.8)
We have clarified that the granting of a leasehold interest on land and buildings to another party, regardless of length, requires the approval of the Secretary of State. This is to ensure consistency with the provisions of the Academies Act 2010.
http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/executiveagencies/efa/efaebulletins/h00229303/issue-39/academies-financial-handbook-update
31 October 2013 update:
Granting of leaseholds on land and buildings (paragraph 2.4.8)
We have clarified that the granting of a leasehold interest on land and buildings to another party, regardless of length, requires the approval of the Secretary of State. This is to ensure consistency with the provisions of the Academies Act 2010.
Academies show - speakers
http://www.academiesshowbirmingham.co.uk/conference-programme/
Speakers are
Nick Weller
Executive Principal of the Dixons Academies Trust
Chief Executive of The Bradford Partnership
Chair, Independent Academies Association
Dominic Herrington
Director of Academies Delivery Group, Department for Education
Speakers are
Nick Weller
Executive Principal of the Dixons Academies Trust
Chief Executive of The Bradford Partnership
Chair, Independent Academies Association
Dominic Herrington
Director of Academies Delivery Group, Department for Education
Monday 11 November 2013
forced academies
Guardian: 34 academies threatened with sponsor change by DfE
Guardian:
http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/nov/08/warnings-issued-academy-schools-performance
Letters written to 34 academies since September 2011.
Seven of these were run by the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET)
Two academies received further warnings in June in June 2012.
The Guardian said: "Warning notices have been sent to two academies: St Aldhelm's academy, in Poole, run by the Diocese of Salisbury; and Basildon Upper academy in Essex, run by the Stanton Lane Trust. Both received notices in June last year."
Barnfield College, Luton: http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/education/academy-s-performance-unacceptable-says-secretary-of-state-1-5667093
http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/nov/08/warnings-issued-academy-schools-performance
Letters written to 34 academies since September 2011.
Seven of these were run by the Academies Enterprise Trust (AET)
Two academies received further warnings in June in June 2012.
The Guardian said: "Warning notices have been sent to two academies: St Aldhelm's academy, in Poole, run by the Diocese of Salisbury; and Basildon Upper academy in Essex, run by the Stanton Lane Trust. Both received notices in June last year."
Barnfield College, Luton: http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/education/academy-s-performance-unacceptable-says-secretary-of-state-1-5667093
Thursday 7 November 2013
BBC: Education Select Committee calls for academy chains to be inspected by ofsted
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-24821378
Like Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw, the Education Select Committee has called for academy chains to be inspected by Ofsted.
Report relevant passage is: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmeduc/269/26909.htm#a22
Passage:
Like Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw, the Education Select Committee has called for academy chains to be inspected by Ofsted.
Report relevant passage is: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmeduc/269/26909.htm#a22
Passage:
Inspection of academy chains
88. At present, while Ofsted can inspect schools within academy chains and has recently begun inspecting local authority school improvement services, it does not have the power to inspect academy chains themselves. James O'Shaughnessy has previously argued for this development in a report published by Policy Exchange[187] and he reiterated this in his evidence to us. He told us that "chains in themselves should be inspected and evaluated to see that they are adding value as opposed to exogenous factors that have just happened because they have replaced the head or whatever it is".[188] Professor David Woods similarly argued that, just as variability is seen in other parts of the education system, variability is likely to occur in the offer from academy chains. [189] Inspection would shine a light on this and help to drive improvement. David Sims from the NfER told us that inspecting individual schools only gives a partial picture of what is going on in a partnership and argued that inspection of the partnerships would provide more evidence of the group effect.[190]
89. Sir Michael Wilshaw has previously told us that:
- We will be inspecting local authorities and we should inspect academy chains as well, if we identify underperformance. I have made that clear to the Secretary of State. It is only fair and equitable that we do that. We have not got the same powers at the moment, but I look forward to receiving the powers to do that.[191]
When questioned on this matter, the Minister told us that the Government "would rather Ofsted focused on its other activities, which are extensive."[192] He argued that such inspections would not "give us any information we do not have materially at the moment" from the inspection of the underlying schools and stated that the Government did not "feel [academy chain inspections] would be of any benefit to the Department" in assessing their activities.[193]
90. We disagree with the Minister's assessment and point out that Ofsted inspections are intended to provide information to parents, as well as the DfE. We conclude that parents should be provided with information about the performance of academy chains, as well as individual schools. We recommend that Ofsted be provided with the powers it needs to inspect academy chains.
Cover-up claims over Bradford free school fraud allegations
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/education/government-faces-cover-up-row-over-fraud-probe-at-flagship-bradford-free-school-1-6217481
Speaker of the House of Commons was considering whether to table urgent questions asking for Michael Gove to make a statement about the handling of allegations.
Speaker of the House of Commons was considering whether to table urgent questions asking for Michael Gove to make a statement about the handling of allegations.
Free school costs forecasts not revealed
http://www.elmbridgeguardian.co.uk/news/10786418.Cobham_Free_School_costs_kept_under_wraps/?ref=nt
Elmbridge Guardian:
Some details of funding were supplied for Cobham Free School (Surrey) but the DFE told the Elmbridge Guardian: “It is sensible that complete and reliable figures should be released as planned, rather than disclosing figures before they have been finalised, which could be misleading.” It also said “premature disclosure” could be unfair to the school as it was still in negotiations with contractors over the unfinished building work on the former police station site.
Elmbridge Guardian:
Some details of funding were supplied for Cobham Free School (Surrey) but the DFE told the Elmbridge Guardian: “It is sensible that complete and reliable figures should be released as planned, rather than disclosing figures before they have been finalised, which could be misleading.” It also said “premature disclosure” could be unfair to the school as it was still in negotiations with contractors over the unfinished building work on the former police station site.
Call for academies to be funded to provide nursery places
http://www.daynurseries.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/1561506/ofsted-chair-two-and-three-year-olds-educated-school
Day Nurseries said: "Baroness (Sally) Morgan made the speech at a conference organised by the ARK chain of academy schools, of which she is a board member and said: “I think there needs to be a big bold brave move on the under-fives agenda to target funding heavily on the children who will benefit most and increasingly I think to look to strong providers to go further down the system. We've increasingly got five to 18 schools, why not three?” She later amended this to include two-year-olds." Nick Ward principal of Marine Academy in Plymouth also spoke saying 'school-ready' pupils were the aim.
Day Nurseries said: "Baroness (Sally) Morgan made the speech at a conference organised by the ARK chain of academy schools, of which she is a board member and said: “I think there needs to be a big bold brave move on the under-fives agenda to target funding heavily on the children who will benefit most and increasingly I think to look to strong providers to go further down the system. We've increasingly got five to 18 schools, why not three?” She later amended this to include two-year-olds." Nick Ward principal of Marine Academy in Plymouth also spoke saying 'school-ready' pupils were the aim.
Independent: Education Select Committee report criticises converter academies as sponsors
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/governments-flagship-academies-are-failing-to-help-weaker-schools-says-select-committee-report-8923350.html
The Independent said: the "report says: “During this inquiry, we received overwhelming evidence that converter academies are not living up to this expectation and pulling their weight when it comes to other schools. “One submission suggested that many only ‘paid lip service to this requirement’ and another argued that converter academies were ‘working in isolation’.”
The relevant converter academy page report:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmeduc/269/26909.htm#a24
The Independent said: the "report says: “During this inquiry, we received overwhelming evidence that converter academies are not living up to this expectation and pulling their weight when it comes to other schools. “One submission suggested that many only ‘paid lip service to this requirement’ and another argued that converter academies were ‘working in isolation’.”
The relevant converter academy page report:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmselect/cmeduc/269/26909.htm#a24
London: consultation after staff action over academy status proposal
http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/news/schools_2_4502/consultation_launched_into_academy_conversion_plans_for_secondary_school_in_wembley_1_2966787
The Kilburn Times said: 'A public consultation into controversial plans to convert a troubled secondary school in Wembley into an academy has begun. If proposals are given the green light Copland Community School in Cecil Avenue, will become an ARK academy in September next year.
'Staff have carried out two rounds of industrial action following an announcement earlier this year that the school could be converted into an academy.'
The Kilburn Times said: 'A public consultation into controversial plans to convert a troubled secondary school in Wembley into an academy has begun. If proposals are given the green light Copland Community School in Cecil Avenue, will become an ARK academy in September next year.
'Staff have carried out two rounds of industrial action following an announcement earlier this year that the school could be converted into an academy.'
BBC: Michael Gove puts academy conversions above value-for-money
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-24803531
A leaked document shows Michael Gove overruled plan to save cash by not converting failing schools into academies.
The BBC said: "The document suggests more account should be taken of a "cost-benefit analysis" in "determining the approach to academisation of underperforming schools". But it stresses that the secretary of state does not want to see such value-for-money checks on the programme and that the changes have not been made."
A leaked document shows Michael Gove overruled plan to save cash by not converting failing schools into academies.
The BBC said: "The document suggests more account should be taken of a "cost-benefit analysis" in "determining the approach to academisation of underperforming schools". But it stresses that the secretary of state does not want to see such value-for-money checks on the programme and that the changes have not been made."
Monday 4 November 2013
Poll shows 62% of free school parents believe local authority has a role
http://www.localgov.co.uk/index.cfm?method=news.detail&id=111559
http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/news/current/pressdetail.htm?pk=1697
According to the survey, which was carried out by YouGov and commissioned by London Councils, 62% of parents with children at a free school support the idea of councils having a role to improve standards. And 77% of parents with children at local authority maintained schools think councils should be able to intervene at their schools.
http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/news/current/pressdetail.htm?pk=1697
According to the survey, which was carried out by YouGov and commissioned by London Councils, 62% of parents with children at a free school support the idea of councils having a role to improve standards. And 77% of parents with children at local authority maintained schools think councils should be able to intervene at their schools.
Trust run by former Conservative adviser wins Earlsfied academy
Wandsworth Council selects Floreat (set up by former David Cameron adviser James O'Shaughnessy) to run a new academy. The trust has no other schools. The management, according to this report, includes Education Funding Agency staff:
http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/10754860.Trust_run_by_former_Tory_adviser_chosen_to_run_academy/
Bradford free school financial irregularities
Update: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/education/whistleblower-prompted-probe-that-uncovered-irregularities-at-brafford-free-school-1-6186795
Galloway calls for closure of Kings Science Academy
http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2013-10-31/galloway-calls-for-police-investigation-into-bradford-free-school/
UPDATE: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/10777267.UPDATE__Row_deepens_over_probe_into_missing_cash_scandal_at_Bradford_free_school/
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/education/police-launch-inquiry-into-bradford-school-s-finance-claims-1-6204140
Lord Nash opens One in a Million school
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/10750064.Bradford_s_One_in_a_Million_free_school_opened_by_a_Lord/?commentSort=score
Galloway calls for closure of Kings Science Academy
http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2013-10-31/galloway-calls-for-police-investigation-into-bradford-free-school/
UPDATE: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/10777267.UPDATE__Row_deepens_over_probe_into_missing_cash_scandal_at_Bradford_free_school/
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/education/police-launch-inquiry-into-bradford-school-s-finance-claims-1-6204140
Lord Nash opens One in a Million school
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/10750064.Bradford_s_One_in_a_Million_free_school_opened_by_a_Lord/?commentSort=score
Lord Nash opens free school Galloway calls for investigation of another
Update: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/education/whistleblower-prompted-probe-that-uncovered-irregularities-at-brafford-free-school-1-6186795
Galloway calls for closure of Kings Science Academy
http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2013-10-31/galloway-calls-for-police-investigation-into-bradford-free-school/
UPDATE: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/10777267.UPDATE__Row_deepens_over_probe_into_missing_cash_scandal_at_Bradford_free_school/
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/education/police-launch-inquiry-into-bradford-school-s-finance-claims-1-6204140
Lord Nash opens One in a Million school
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/10750064.Bradford_s_One_in_a_Million_free_school_opened_by_a_Lord/?commentSort=score
Islington freeschool backers' no-show at meeting
http://www.islingtontribune.com/news/2013/nov/ashmount-argument-%E2%80%98-choice-between-housing-and-free-school%E2%80%99
Islington Tribune: More than 100 parents packed into the Christ Church Hall in Crouch Hill to hear fierce arguments for and against the school, which would be called Whitehall Park and operate independently of local authority control But the companies behind it – Swiss-based Bellevue Education and the Place Group – failed to send a representative. They have also been criticised for only publicising a consultation on the proposed school to parents who had signed up on their website.
Islington Tribune: More than 100 parents packed into the Christ Church Hall in Crouch Hill to hear fierce arguments for and against the school, which would be called Whitehall Park and operate independently of local authority control But the companies behind it – Swiss-based Bellevue Education and the Place Group – failed to send a representative. They have also been criticised for only publicising a consultation on the proposed school to parents who had signed up on their website.
Second future schools head quits
http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/oct/18/headteacher-quits-schools-future-academies
Susan Rankin-Reid leaves Churchill Garden academy in Pimlico, one of Lord Nash's four Future Schools.
Susan Rankin-Reid leaves Churchill Garden academy in Pimlico, one of Lord Nash's four Future Schools.
Mark Hoban: Let academies to borrow
Mark Hoban's post on Conservative Home:
http://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2013/10/mark-hoban-mp-its-time-for-academies-to-have-the-freedom-to-borrow.html
Mark Hoban - lost job on front benches in October
If schools are already at capacity, they can bid for money from the Education Funding Agency, but if they are unsuccessful then parental choice can’t be satisfied. Academies could try to fund expansion themselves by borrowing, but Treasury rules prohibit this as it would count as part of government debt. Surely it is time to lift this barrier to parental choice. If each of the almost 3,400 secondary school academies borrowed £0.5m this year, this would be the equivalent of only 1.4 per cent of this year’s borrowing requirement. Isn’t it time that academies, that have so many freedoms already, have the freedom to borrow so more parents can choose the right school for their children?
http://www.conservativehome.com/platform/2013/10/mark-hoban-mp-its-time-for-academies-to-have-the-freedom-to-borrow.html
Mark Hoban - lost job on front benches in October
If schools are already at capacity, they can bid for money from the Education Funding Agency, but if they are unsuccessful then parental choice can’t be satisfied. Academies could try to fund expansion themselves by borrowing, but Treasury rules prohibit this as it would count as part of government debt. Surely it is time to lift this barrier to parental choice. If each of the almost 3,400 secondary school academies borrowed £0.5m this year, this would be the equivalent of only 1.4 per cent of this year’s borrowing requirement. Isn’t it time that academies, that have so many freedoms already, have the freedom to borrow so more parents can choose the right school for their children?
Sponsors sought for new academies
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/education/academy-sponsors-sought-to-raise-standards-at-struggling-schools-1-6149374
Yorkshire Post:
Schools Minister Lord Nash made the call ahead of three events taking place in place around Leeds this week to promote the Government’s academies programme in the region.
The Department for Education is looking for academy sponsors to take on struggling schools and Lord Nash warned that although many schools in Yorkshire are performing well there are still primaries and secondaries where children were “not getting the standard of education they need”.
Lord Nash said: “I want to see all schools in the area achieving the very best for their pupils. There are some fantastic examples of great schools here – but equally there are cases where children are not getting the start in life they deserve.
“I would urge businesses and public-spirited individuals and groups to come forward and sponsor an academy, become a governor or get involved in another way in helping young people realise their potential.”
Yorkshire Post:
Schools Minister Lord Nash made the call ahead of three events taking place in place around Leeds this week to promote the Government’s academies programme in the region.
The Department for Education is looking for academy sponsors to take on struggling schools and Lord Nash warned that although many schools in Yorkshire are performing well there are still primaries and secondaries where children were “not getting the standard of education they need”.
Lord Nash said: “I want to see all schools in the area achieving the very best for their pupils. There are some fantastic examples of great schools here – but equally there are cases where children are not getting the start in life they deserve.
“I would urge businesses and public-spirited individuals and groups to come forward and sponsor an academy, become a governor or get involved in another way in helping young people realise their potential.”
Fulham Boys: 650 at opening day, 150 places
http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/fulham-boys-school-welcomes-650-6193468
650 turn up for Fulham Boys church of england free school opening. 150 places available next autumn.
650 turn up for Fulham Boys church of england free school opening. 150 places available next autumn.
KBW barristers on free schools
http://www.11kbw.com/knowledge-events/video/opening-a-free-school-tom-ogg
Video
“Free Schools were introduced following the election of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition in 2010. The first 24 Free Schools opened in September 2011, and prior to September 2013 there were 81 Free Schools in total. A further 109 were due to open in September 2013 (taking the total to 190), and the Secretary of State for Education has approved a further 102 to open from September 2014.”
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“Free Schools were introduced following the election of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition in 2010. The first 24 Free Schools opened in September 2011, and prior to September 2013 there were 81 Free Schools in total. A further 109 were due to open in September 2013 (taking the total to 190), and the Secretary of State for Education has approved a further 102 to open from September 2014.”
http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/news/local/head-of-failing-free-school-to-step-down-1-5588578
"The Broadfield school, set up in September 2011 as one of the country’s first free schools, was judged as needing ‘special measures’ in its first Ofsted inspection in May.
"Ofsted’s report of its inspection in September stated headteacher Lindsey Snowdon had agreed to step down from her role ‘as soon as a new headteacher can be appointed’.
"The report said: “It is essential that a credible professional is appointed to the headship without delay to provide the expert leadership necessary to remove the school from special measures.”
"The report added that the headteacher and business director had drafted a ‘statement of action’ and an improvement plan since the first report which were ‘not fit for purpose’.
"The Broadfield school, set up in September 2011 as one of the country’s first free schools, was judged as needing ‘special measures’ in its first Ofsted inspection in May.
"Ofsted’s report of its inspection in September stated headteacher Lindsey Snowdon had agreed to step down from her role ‘as soon as a new headteacher can be appointed’.
"The report said: “It is essential that a credible professional is appointed to the headship without delay to provide the expert leadership necessary to remove the school from special measures.”
"The report added that the headteacher and business director had drafted a ‘statement of action’ and an improvement plan since the first report which were ‘not fit for purpose’.
£20m sixth form college tax
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/10378442/MPs-sixth-form-colleges-hit-by-20m-tax-on-learning.html
Tax on sixth form colleges to be looked at....
Tax on sixth form colleges to be looked at....
Doomed academy seeks academy status in Hammersmith and Fulham
http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/doomed-primary-school-applies-become-6186676
Staff and parents from Sulivan Primary School, Fulham, have been fiercely fighting plans by Hammersmith and Fulham Council to close it and merge it with nearby New King’s Primary. Governors at Sulivan have now applied to the Department for Education to transfer to an academy with the London Diocesan Board for Schools (LDBS). It will consult with parents in the next few weeks. This is the same provider behind new free school Fulham Boys, which under the current council plans could relocate into Sulivan’s vacated site in Peterborough Road.
Staff and parents from Sulivan Primary School, Fulham, have been fiercely fighting plans by Hammersmith and Fulham Council to close it and merge it with nearby New King’s Primary. Governors at Sulivan have now applied to the Department for Education to transfer to an academy with the London Diocesan Board for Schools (LDBS). It will consult with parents in the next few weeks. This is the same provider behind new free school Fulham Boys, which under the current council plans could relocate into Sulivan’s vacated site in Peterborough Road.
GCSE league tables changed
http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/oct/14/gcse-table-shakeup-schools-coalition
http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/oct/14/school-november-gcse-exams
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24326087
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2438023/Michael-Gove-GCSE-sit-grades-banned-league-tables.html
http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/oct/14/school-november-gcse-exams
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24326087
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2438023/Michael-Gove-GCSE-sit-grades-banned-league-tables.html
Sunday Times: al-Madinah governor relatives' conflicts of interest
http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/Education/article1326961.ece?CMP=OTH-gnws-standard-2013_10_12
SUNDAY TIMES: "BRITAIN’S first Muslim free school paid almost £95,000 to an organisation that employs relatives of some of its governors, The Sunday Times has learnt.
"The sum is understood to have been paid by al-Madinah School in Derby, which is funded by the taxpayer, to All Services Management Solutions (ASMS), a management services company, despite cheaper quotes from at least one other firm.'
SUNDAY TIMES: "BRITAIN’S first Muslim free school paid almost £95,000 to an organisation that employs relatives of some of its governors, The Sunday Times has learnt.
"The sum is understood to have been paid by al-Madinah School in Derby, which is funded by the taxpayer, to All Services Management Solutions (ASMS), a management services company, despite cheaper quotes from at least one other firm.'
Special Adviser Dominic Cummings
UPDATE:
http://www.bionews.org.uk/page_357970.asp
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/oct/11/gove-adviser-thesis-inflammatory-ideas-education
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/oct/11/dominic-cummings-genius-menace-michael-gove
The paper: http://static.guim.co.uk/ni/1381763590219/-Some-thoughts-on-education.pdf
"Although we understand some systems well enough to make precise or statistical predictions, most interesting systems - whether physical, mental, cultural, or virtual - are complex, nonlinear, and have properties that emerge from feedback between many interactions. Exhaustive searches of all possibilities are impossible. Unfathomable and unintended consequences dominate. Problems cascade. Complex systems are hard to understand, predict and control."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2455623/Michael-Gove-advisor-Dominic-Cummings-claims-Genetics-outweighs-teaching.html
http://www.bionews.org.uk/page_357970.asp
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/oct/11/gove-adviser-thesis-inflammatory-ideas-education
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/oct/11/dominic-cummings-genius-menace-michael-gove
The paper: http://static.guim.co.uk/ni/1381763590219/-Some-thoughts-on-education.pdf
"Although we understand some systems well enough to make precise or statistical predictions, most interesting systems - whether physical, mental, cultural, or virtual - are complex, nonlinear, and have properties that emerge from feedback between many interactions. Exhaustive searches of all possibilities are impossible. Unfathomable and unintended consequences dominate. Problems cascade. Complex systems are hard to understand, predict and control."
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2455623/Michael-Gove-advisor-Dominic-Cummings-claims-Genetics-outweighs-teaching.html
BBC: Religious groups preaching in schools
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-24491511
BBC : Evangelical Christian groups intent on converting pupils are being allowed into state schools claims a report. The National Secular Society (NSS) says some groups are holding assemblies and bible clubs in schools in England.
BBC : Evangelical Christian groups intent on converting pupils are being allowed into state schools claims a report. The National Secular Society (NSS) says some groups are holding assemblies and bible clubs in schools in England.
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