A Labour government will “end the needless micro-management” of schools from Westminster, and “celebrate the achievements” of both academies and maintained schools, Bridget Phillipson has said.
Attacking the recent attempt by ministers to hand themselves unprecedented powers over schools, the shadow education secretary pledged to “trust” leaders to know when their schools need help, while also maintaining “high standards”.
The government recently abandoned its controversial schools bill following widespread criticism from its own benches and attempts by the opposition to bring requirements for academies in line with those for maintained schools.
Labour has said it will not support forced academisation, but has also pledged to leave well-performing academy trusts alone. It means the current hybrid will be here to stay if Sir Keir Starmer wins the next election.
