Government responds to CCN's academy concerns

After the County Councils Network raised concerns about forced academisation, the Government could be set to change its policy.

Several national newspapers, including the Times and the Telegraph, are reporting that the Department for Education is set to tone down its academisation policy, and allow the best performing local authorities to set up their own academy trusts.

CCN was again referenced heavily in the national news, after voicing concerns over the weekend about the forced academisation policy and a new schools funding formula, which CCN believes will dimish the role that local authorities have in the world of education.

Counties are willing to work with the Government on the proposals and many of our member councils would welcome the ability to set up academy trusts.

CCN chairman Paul Carter, who was interviewed on BBC Radio 4's World at One programme, said: "We are committed to working with Government to ensure the Education White Paper delivers a better education for all.

"Local government delivers significant support to parents, pupils and schools across the country. Central government must not forget the vital role of councils in Education and of course the significant role good local authorities have played in raising school standards and pupil attainment.

"The County Councils Network support the initiative of local authorities with a good track record in supporting schools forming Multi-Academy Trusts. However, we need to see more detailed proposals.”

You can read some of the national coverage below:

• ‍The Telegraph: Academy plan u-turn by Nicky Morgan as she seeks to calm Tory rebellion
• ‍The Times: Rebels force Nicky Morgan into u-turn on academies‍
• The Guardian: Local authority schools outperform academies, research suggests
• ‍Daily Mail: Government's plan to turn all state schools into academies comes under fire‍
• The Express: Government could compromise on academies after backbench fury
• ‍BBC Radio 4 World at One: Listen here