Somerset raises concern about academy status

Head-teachers in the area of Somerset have raised concerns about the government’s plans to force failing primary schools to become academies after seven primary schools in Somerset have been assessed as failing.

The chair of the Somerset Association of Primary Head teachers said that:

‘There are not enough benefits…but considerable risks are being involved. There are a lot of smaller schools in the country for whom academy status is not a viable financial option’ said MsWhitman.

Education Secretary Michael Gove on the other hand, has argued that the purpose of academies is to drive up standards by putting more power in the hands of head teachers.

Of the 206 primary schools in Somerset, only five have applied voluntarily to become academies while a further eight have already converted.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-18688429