Upcoming Events :
Seminar: Outsourcing and Contract Procurement
Tue 28 Feb 2012
Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London, SE1 9BB
Gove: Academy expansion will raise education standards
Wed 21 Jul 2010
The education secretary has stated that turning more schools into academies will boost standards across England.
Michael Gove told MPs that the country is falling behind other nations because regulations are stifling innovation and teachers are being directed from the centre.
However, he believes his plans to allow all schools to apply for academy status will raise the quality of education and help the disadvantaged most of all.
Mr Gove said becoming an academy would give teachers more freedom and allow schools to enjoy much greater autonomy.
He added that expanding the academies programme in this way would give it a "new level of dynamism".
Meanwhile, Mr Gove has refuted the suggestion that the Academies Bill is being rushed through before the parliamentary summer recess.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said there has been extensive debate on the issue since 2005.
He added that hundreds of schools are anxious to take advantage of the proposals, which were a "central" manifesto pledge in May's general election.
Andrea Squires, a partner at Winckworth Sherwood Solicitors, commented: "We are advising a number of clients who are seeking to convert by 1st September and who are passionate about the benefits of becoming an academy.
"This cannot be an elitist programme and it is right that the opportunity should be available to all schools when they are ready.
"For some schools, this will be a significant change and one they should think carefully about."
