Queen’s Speech

There were no big surprises here. Some will doubtless emerge when the detail of the Bills is published. That will be the moment for us to comment as it is in the detail that this Blog finds the devils.

I am not convinced about the expansion of Academies plan. I have nothing against these schools, some of which use their independence well. What is so important is to return to local authorities much more power and responsibility in running education policy in their area. We also need to restore an LEA budget so that the authority itself can also run schools, if that would serve local preference or need.  I do not think this is going to happen but we must wait and see.