10th May 2016
Solace statement on the Government’s announcement to drop compulsory ‘Academisation’
On 6th May 2016 Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan MP, announced that the Government would be dropping plans to legislate to make it compulsory for all schools to become Academies. This is a statement from Phil Norrey, Chief Executive of Devon County Council, and Solace Spokesperson for Children and Families in response:
“Many across the sector will be pleased that plans to make it compulsory through legislation for all schools to become an Academy have been dropped. However, it is clear that the ‘Academisation’ process is still a top priority for this Government. Talks on behalf of Solace with civil servants and with colleagues across local government have made it clear the complexity of implementing this policy. We, therefore, welcome the space for further reflection this announcement provides but remain concerned about the implications for the sector of this broader policy agenda.”