Head teachers concerned at pressure to convert to academies
Head teachers and school governors are concerned they might be left behind and risk losing money and status unless they choose to become academies, a survey commissioned by London Councils has found.
The survey of head teachers and chairs of governors across state primary, secondary and special schools in London revealed that while two-thirds of the 347 respondents had never considered or rejected the idea of becoming an academy, many were concerned about whether they would feel forced to convert in the future.
As the government’s academies programme expands, respondents said it would be increasingly hard for them not to become academies as the role of the local authority in education provision diminishes.
One secondary school head teacher said: "If the local authority withered and was useless, I would not want to be the last man
standing."
A primary school teacher echoed these concerns, saying: "I think I will be put under increasing pressure as other schools in my a area convert and the local authority role diminishes."
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... (Children & Young People - 11 October)