State schools 'should be free to set own curriculum'

Mon 15 Feb 2010

The Conservative Party has outlined plans to give state schools more freedom to set their own curriculums.

According to shadow children's secretary Michael Gove, state schools should be given the same level of freedom as fee-paying institutions.

Speaking to BBC One's Andrew Marr Show, he said this could help those from less affluent backgrounds study at the UK's top universities.

Mr Gove also revealed at the weekend that the Conservatives are in talks with Swedish education chain the International English School about setting up state schools in Britain.

He told the Sunday Times that if the party wins the upcoming general election, the body will be handed the responsibility of taking over failing schools.

Mr Gove said the UK needs more new schools outside local authority control to "challenge the bureaucratic monopoly".

He added that the Conservatives have also been in discussions with an education charity founded by Hollywood star Goldie Hawn, which believes certain breathing exercises can boost a child's ability to learn.

Stephen Hart of law firm Winckworth Sherwood commented: "Mr Gove's proposals could revolutionise the delivery of state education in schools.

"However, our experience working with schools across the sector shows that his reforms on the curriculum will need to be matched by reviewing and relaxing current restrictions on admissions and planning."