IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10 February 2003.
Commenting on the announcement by EducationSecretary, Charles Clarke, Doug McAvoy, NUT General Secretary, said:
It is apparent from Charles Clarkesspeech that he is quietly dismantling the Prime Ministers tiered system ofsecondary schooling.
For very many head teachers there has onlybeen one good reason to apply for specialist status and that was the extrafunding. The logic of Mr Clarkes speech must be that all schools receive thatadditional financial support currently enjoyed by a minority. His emphasis onall schools being encouraged to innovate in teaching is welcome.
There appears from his speech to be anencouragement to schools to co-operate rather than compete with each other. Ilook forward to the time when Government ministers feel able, unequivocally, tocelebrate the achievements of comprehensive principle.
EN D Pr.13/03