The Live Wire



Press Release

Michael Gove lifts veil of secrecy

25 June 2010

Commenting on the government's decision to publish the names of schools expressing an interest in becoming Academies, Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers' union said;

"The expressions of interest that Mr Gove proudly proclaims represent a tiny percentage of schools. The vast majority are extremely wary of cutting themselves free from their local community of schools and from the in depth support and advice provided by their local authority. It is this majority that simply do not recognise the picture of autocracy and oppression which Mr Gove paints of local authorities.

"I would simply advise those schools which have expressed an interest to think very carefully about what they are losing and also about the dubious benefit of having Mr Gove directly determining how far they can be free.

"I cannot understand, given the government's avowed commitment to local democracy, why it is so nervous about making it a statutory requirement to consult parents, teachers and local authorities before Governing bodies decide to step off into the unknown.

"At least now the veil of secrecy over this whole misguided scheme has been lifted and the taxpayer can see exactly who is considering doing what with their money. I am sure many parents, teachers, governors and local communities will be looking at this list with great interest".



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National Union of Teachers

National Union of Teachers

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