The UK government has introduced a controversial new Schools Bill, sparking intense debate among politicians and educators. The bill aims to protect vulnerable children by introducing measures such as a register for children not in school, allowing local authorities to intervene in unsafe home environments, and setting up breakfast clubs. It also seeks to limit uniform costs and amend how failing schools are managed. The bill is expected to become law by spring.
The bill has faced significant criticism for its potential impact on teachers' pay and the future of academy schools. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has emphasized that "there will be a floor, no ceiling" on pay, indicating a desire for flexibility in pay structures across schools. This amendment intends to provide flexibility for schools on pay, potentially cutting pay for teachers in academies and closing certain routes into teaching.
Academy schools, introduced under Sir Tony Blair and expanded by the Conservatives in 2010, are at the center of the controversy. The original wording of the bill would have removed the guarantee for failing schools to automatically convert into academies. However, this aspect has been amended following feedback from various stakeholders. Despite these changes, the bill continues to cause anxiety among Labour MPs, especially those who take pride in the academy system.
Kemi Badenoch, a vocal critic of the bill, has not minced words in expressing her concerns.
"Teachers and parents will be horrified at just how bad this bill is" – Kemi Badenoch
She further argued that the bill undermines decades of bipartisan consensus on education reform.
"wrecking a cross-party consensus that lasted for decades" – Kemi Badenoch
The Confederation of School Trusts has cautiously welcomed changes made to the bill but maintains reservations about its implications. Concerns remain that the bill could cut teachers' pay and inadvertently block failing schools from becoming academies. Additionally, Badenoch has highlighted potential drawbacks of the bill's approach to teacher qualifications.
"doctors are not sufficiently qualified to teach biology, that Olympic medallists can not teach PE" – Kemi Badenoch
Sir Keir Starmer has also weighed in on the issue of teacher qualifications, stating that it should be a standard expectation.
"should not be extraordinary" to suggest that teachers in schools should be qualified – Sir Keir Starmer
Badenoch has accused the bill of attacking fundamental values within education.
"It is an attack on excellence. It is an attack on higher standards. It is an attack on aspiration" – Kemi Badenoch
Despite these criticisms, only one Labour MP, Siobhain McDonagh, has publicly criticized the bill. The government's stance remains firm, with a Downing Street spokesman describing the amendment related to teachers' pay as "a sensible step to clarify our ambition for teachers' pay and conditions."
