Defend State Education

DEFEND STATE EDUCATION

No to Academies - No to Privatisation.

A Question & Answer leaflet from the NUT.


Q. The government are talking about lots of money for schools. Surely you’re not against that?

A. Of course not, parents and teachers have argued for greater spending on education for years but that does not mean we have to accept privatisation and academies. Just look what privatisation has done to transport and the health service.


Q. So what exactly is an Academy?

A. A school taken out of local authority control and run by a private sponsor. For only £2 million or less a sponsor can take control of a school’s whole budget. All the extra tax payers money is handed over to the sponsor to run the school how they want.


Q. But as a parent I’ll still have a say in how things are run?

A. Afraid not. Academies are not accountable to the local authority and threaten the role of the governing body. Even the limited say you have now as a parent governor is no longer guaranteed.


Q. Well maybe sponsors can run things better than councils?

A. Some are car dealers and carpet manufacturers with no previous knowledge of education and even according to the government’s rule some academies are in special measures.


Q. But what if my kids don’t go to an academy, will it affect them?

A. Yes! Academies impact on all schools in a neighbourhood. Academies can select 10% of their intake and exclusions have increased for pupils with special needs because of pressure on academies to look good in the league tables. This creates a two-tier system.


Q. But what can I do about it?

A. Lots! Don’t underestimate parent power! Find out more about what is happening in your area. Talk to other parents and complain to your local councillor. Write to your MP. Don’t let them give away our schools and education system!

For more information on Academies:

 http://www.teachers.org.uk/topichome.php?id=224