This is all the more timely and apposite given the recent publication of the white paper, Educational Excellence Everywhere, which proposed a fully academised system and a proliferation of MATs. We would like to take this early opportunity to comment on the white paper.

Opponents of the white paper’s proposals point out that one size does not necessarily fit all, and wonder why schools which are doing perfectly well under local authority control should be forced to become academies. These are good points and we would urge government to relax the compulsory requirement when it brings forward its bill.

Read the full response here.