Local authority-run schools continue to ‘outshine’ those converted to academies, according to new research by the Local Government Association (LGA).
The report, which analyses Ofsted inspection outcomes by school type, finds that 93 per cent of council-maintained schools were rated outstanding or good as of 31 January 2023, compared to 87 per cent of academies since they were converted.
The LGA, which represents councils, say this is ‘evidence as to why local authorities should be given the powers to open new maintained schools.’ Councils were last able to open maintained schools in 2012.
It also claims it is a ‘reminder of the excellent track record of councils in school improvement and maintaining educational standards.’