NEIL CARMICHAEL CHAMPIONS ACADEMY STATUS FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS

Neil Carmichael, Member of Parliament for Stroud, has questioned Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education this week on how local schools who see a future for themselves as Academies can get support.  Neil said;

“The Secretary of State will know that there are some excellent schools in Stroud.  He has visited one of them, Amberley School.  What provision, guidance or support will there be for schools that want to become academies which are not so good, are struggling but see a future for themselves as academies?”

In response Michael Gove said;

“Neil Carmichael has been a fantastic champion of both schools and further education.  We will make sure that schools that are in real difficulty are teamed with an education sponsor with a track record of excellence in order to improve circumstances.  We will ensure that schools that aspire to become academies but are not yet in a strong position are teamed with people who can help them achieve their ambitions for all their children.”

Neil welcomed this response as he believes the opportunities and freedoms under the Academy Schools model can be open to all schools and said;

“The key point to remember is that our task is to ensure that all schools are good schools.  The issue is not just about the best schools; it is more important to talk about the schools that are having problems and failing, because we have to ensure everybody can fulfil their lives.”