Gove forcing more academisation

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Gove forcing more academisation

17 January 2013

Roke Primary School is the latest school to face the government’s policy of converting poorly performing schools to academies. This move would place them in the hands of a large academy chain, despite much hostility from the local community.

DfE guidance provides that forced academisation should only occur where a school has 'underperformed for some time' and where 'problems are not tackled'. It is suggested that Roke do not find themselves in that position, having received only one ‘unsatisfactory’ Ofsted report following which the issues raised were quickly rectified.

The DfE take a different line, stating that there were serious concerns surrounding the school and that a notice to improve was given last year and stating that changes 'need to be made quickly' when a school is found to be unsatisfactory.

Regardless of these respective positions, this case puts a spotlight on the DfE approach and is likely to add fuel to the fire of those who do not support forced academisation.

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