Plans for trust schools a danger to objectivity in education

9 February 2006

Allowing groups, parents, industry and commerce to set up trust schools could undermine the balanced way in which sensitive issues are taught in the nation’s schools, Steve Sinnott, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Europe’s largest teachers’ organisation, warned today.

“There are many people in all walks of life who want to put something back into our education service. Indeed, very many commercial undertakings work closely with our primary and secondary schools and their input is both welcome and highly valued. Making that contribution does not require the taking over of schools.

“The plan for trust schools is creeping privatisation, handing over control of the governance of our schools and the curriculum to groups and individuals who are answerable to no one. They may have their own axe to grind or view to peddle that control of a trust school would give them free rein to promote.

“Parents and the country at large need to have confidence in our schools. This proposal could undermine that crucial ingredient in the relationship between schools and parents.

“More fragmentation of the education service is not needed and particularly unwelcome is a move which puts so much power in the hands of unaccountable individuals or groups.

“Schools are not cottage industries.”