Accountability: The problem, not the solution

The education system is somewhat in disarray – not least as a result of the unintended consequences arising from the changes made to school structures during the past few years. Local authorities have all but lost their power over schools, especially secondary schools, as government reforms have gained pace. Their avowed intention is for as many schools as possible to become academies, and free schools are more or less the only options for those wishing to open new schools.

Yet, all these schools – academies and free schools – are now technically under the direct control of the government, or rather that of the secretary of state. This is clearly too much for one man, or indeed woman, to bear, so others have been enlisted in support, such as the relatively new regional school commissioners and academy chains.