Education is often bandied around as a political football, with point-scoring often overshadowing the real focus: young people and their opportunity to learn. Improving standards, attracting motivated and skilled teachers and fostering diversity in education must be the key priorities. The new Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill has sparked fierce debate, with critics warning it could reverse progress made in schools.
The bill mandates a national curriculum for all schools, including academies, and introduces national pay scales, potentially affecting the recruitment of skilled teachers.
Academy heads argue these changes threaten the freedoms that have led to innovation and improved standards. Neil O’Brien, shadow schools minister, called the bill “pure vandalism”.
Academies, which currently operate with autonomy over curriculum and pay, have been credited with raising standards, particularly in underperforming schools. However, the bill’s supporters argue it will improve consistency and protect vulnerable children by introducing measures like a home education register and unique child identifiers.
There are benefits to national uniformity, but should academies be allowed to continue to innovate?
Callum Thompson, CEO of Business Energy Claims, said: “Children need the best start in life to flourish and that includes a safe environment where they can excel academically. Skilled teaching is therefore vital and this clearly impacts on recruitment so this bill must ensure Trusts and academies can continue to attract the very best talent.”