Free schools get the cold shoulder

Councillors fear damage to education in borough

OLDHAM councillors have spoken out against the idea of establishing free and parent-run schools in the borough.

The council will examine its options for free schools — independent state schools established by parents or private groups — at a Cabinet meeting tomorrow.

Championed by Education Secretary Michael Gove, and based on a Swedish model, the idea is that such schools introduce innovation, increase choice for parents and drive up satandards.

However, councillors have already voiced their concerns about the damaging effects such a move could have on work done in the borough.

Councillor Howard Sykes, leader of the council, said: “I will be recommending that at this stage their development would not be of value to the long-term educational plans of the borough.

“Currently, Oldham is recognised nationally as a leading authority in having a wide range of high-quality schools and integrated education.

“In this environment there is very little that free schools can offer and there is the potential for a significant number of surplus places to be created which could be extremely damaging financially and also to the viability of the new academies.”

The Department for Education says that the policy allows charities, universities, businesses, teachers and groups of parents to set up new schools.

Ministers are working to remove red tape in other areas such as planning laws to encourage such action.

It has been suggested free schools could open in houses or shops.

So far, 16 free schools have been given the go-ahead throughout the UK.

However, Oldham councillors are doubtful about the merits of such schools.

Councillor Jim McMahon, leader of the opposition, said: “Oldham Labour group is against free schools because of the social divisions created by any system which allows selection or ones which charge fees.

“Free schools are bad for Oldham and bad for the future of education in Oldham and I am pleased we have cross-party recognition of this.”

Conservative councillor Jack Hulme, Cabinet member for children and families, added: “I believe that it’s in the best interests of the borough to maintain our current approach to education, an approach that has seen standards rise and the attainment gap narrow.”