This paper proposes an evolution of the existing accountability, regulatory and support architecture in the school system in order to provide a more sophisticated, effective and proportionate approach that will, together, better support sustained school improvement.
The architecture advocated in this paper is built on four propositions:
- Accountability can be more intelligent
- Regulation should allow for ‘softer’ as well as existing ‘harder’ interventions
- School improvement expertise and capacity in trusts can be better leveraged
- More can be done to connect organisations and professionals to each other to facilitate the creation and sharing of professional knowledge.
Together these feed into a series of policy recommendations, aimed at helping schools in England continue to improve, and ensure we deliver on the trust we hold for children.
