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Press Release

National Audit Office report - academies

10 September 2010

Commenting on the National Audit Office report The Academies Programme, Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers' union, said;

"Unfortunately when reading this report the phrase 'I told you so' springs to mind. It comes as no surprise that the report shows the attainment gap between less advantaged pupils and others has widened in academies. This provides yet further evidence that the fragmentation of the education system simply benefits those who are already advantaged.

"Taking schools out of the local authority family of schools will always lead to problems, particularly for those pupils who are in need of additional help and support. For many children and young people this is their only chance of an education. For the government to jeopardise the standard and overall effectiveness of that chance because of their ideological preferences is totally wrong.

"The question mark raised over the ability of academies to sustain governance and management is also very worrying, as is the lack of funding. The NUT is not opposed to philanthropy in education if it is given with a free hand, but it has become absolutely clear that this is not the motivation of the majority of sponsors. It is nothing short of scandalous that the money promised by backers has in many cases not materialised. At a time when we are being told the country is in desperate financial straits the fact that over a quarter of academies will need additional funding to secure their future is a total and unnecessary waste of public money.

"This report is a wake up call to government that this piecemeal break up of our education system must stop. The academies programme is not working now, and there are serious doubts that it ever will. To ensure fairness for all in our education system we need to see a return to policies that will ensure a good local school for every child operating within the local authority family of schools."



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National Union of Teachers

National Union of Teachers

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