Academies in Birmingham. Who will benefit?
When I tackled the Director of Children's Services, Tony Howell, about Academies in Birmingham he assured us that creationism couldn't creep into the curriculum. He would see to it that couldn't happen. Well, judging by a report in the Birmingham Post (14.12.2007), the King Edward Foundation are looking at one school at least, Sheldon Heath, which they wish to help run.
According to the report "Representatives from King Edward's will sit on the governing board of Sheldon Heath - whose name will change - and have an influence on its curriculum."
Looks to me that the private sector will be able to extend its influence and dictate terms to the state sector. This is just what Lord Adonis appears to want. Shouldn't it be the other way round though? Once again New Labour faces an identity crisis supporting those the Tories always help anyway. In Birmingham New Labour started to support the academies and now Tories (with Lib Dem support) have taken them on like ducks to water so there will be no opposition from New Labour. It's tragic.
Posted by John Tyrrell at December 16, 2007 12:34 PM
