Lib Dems against Labour's academy programme

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 2nd May 2006

Cllr. Mervyn Scutter

The Liberal Democrat Group on Norfolk County Council has firmly opposed proposals by the Tory administration to open a new 'academy' school here in Norwich.

Liberal Democrats have opposed the Labour government's academies programme from the outset. Question marks have already been raised over the quality of educational provision at existing academies in other parts of the country.

But there are greater causes of apprehension than performance. Liberal Democrat County Spokesman for Education, Councillor Mervyn Scutter (Norwich, Eaton ward) said:

'Academies are run by trusts and are outside the control of the community. The sponsors control admissions, curriculum, teachers' pay and conditions and the entire ethos of the institution. As the teaching unions have warned, the proliferation of city academies could pave the way for unsound fundamentalist teaching and selection by the back door.

The National Governors' Association has called for the suspension of all involvement in academy programmes. I will be urging all Norfolk County Councillors to support the NGA and halt investigations into proposals for a Norwich Academy.'

Related Links:

Academy schools failing to receive sponsors money - Teather.

House of Commons Debate on Academies.

New academies should be put on hold - Davey.