Plan for intervention powers is ‘intolerable’, warn heads

“Cracking the whip” is not the solution to transforming schools in challenging circumstances it has been warned this week.

Headteachers have reacted angrily to what they called “intolerable” plans unveiled by prime minister David Cameron.

Writing in the Daily Mail on Monday (October 13), Mr Cameron outlined proposals to give the eight regional schools commissioners far-reaching new powers to intervene and “overhaul failing schools” – referring to those judged inadequate by Ofsted. In particular, Mr Cameron said he wants to target 500 schools that teach a total of 100,000 pupils. These schools have not been identified.

Among the powers he wants to give to the commissioners, who are former headteachers who oversee the free schools and academies programme, will be the ability to replace a school’s leadership, sack the governors, and change the curriculum. They could also order staffing changes, alterations to behaviour policies and punishments, and influence other areas including uniform and homework.