Whitehall, local authorities, private sponsors, or parents?
The traditional model of states schools run centrally by Whitehall and administered by Local Education Authorities is under threat. The City Academies听- introduced by New Labour听- act as independent schools and are run by private sponsors but remain within the state sector. Both Conservatives and the Lib Dems support academies. But are they the answer? The Conservatives want to make it easier for everyone to set up schools within the state sector, which they say will introduce innovation, choice and diversity into the public sector. Jane talks to journalist Toby Young, who听is currently campaigning for a parent-run academy in West London.听She is听also joined by journalist and education campaigner Fiona Millar, Anthony Seldon, Master at Wellingon College, and Julian Astle from Centre Forum.
