The Government plans to re-launch Oak National Academy as a new government arm’s-length body (ALB) providing free curriculum resources this autumn. But the new Oak will start with a “drastically reduced curriculum” after United Learning decided not to sign over its intellectual property. And that’s just the start of its problems.
United Learning’s chief executive, Sir Jon Coles, says the ALB will “put further strain on already stretched public funds and risk severely damaging teacher choice and learner outcomes”. Meanwhile, the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA) is seeking a judicial review of the decision to award it £43 million.
The DfE states that “Oak […] will ensure that high-quality lessons are available nationwide for the benefit of all children”, adding that its plans are designed “to ensure that teachers are able to manage their workload and deliver a world-class curriculum”.
