Sir – The recent letters from Bruce Ross-Smith and Robin Gill have highlighted statistics that indicate that conversion to academy status will not necessarily lead to improved SAT results.
Moreover, any local accountability will cease to exist; there will no longer be parent-governors or LEA involvement, as academies will be accountable to the Secretary of State.
In his letter last week, Robin Gill suggests that councillor Tilley, cabinet member for school improvement, should seek professional advice. However, where is she to turn?
Unlike central government cabinet ministers, she does not have an army of civil servants to advise her. The cabinet member for children, education and families (note that education does not come first) has no background experience in education, The director of education, children andfamilies has a background in children’s services, not in education.
The county council’s website indicates that, apart from a few governorships, only two councillors have teaching experience. One, Michael Waine, can rightly feel that he has done his stint. The other, Dave Sexon, has been a teacher, a headteacher, a lecturer and an HMI. He could certainly advise councillor Tilley.
However, with that extensive experience, one wonders why he is not doing councillor Tilley’s job.
Martin Sheldon, Headington Quarry
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