Industry News
State schools 'should be more independent'
Posted on 26th February 2008
The chairman of governors at Northampton Academy has said that state schools should be following the example of independent schools.
Richard Tice, from Northampton Academy, revealed that since his school became independent from the state sector in 2000, GCSE passes have doubled and pupils and teachers alike were less likely to be absent.
He added that he believes pupils spend too much time preparing for exams, which stifles their creativity and enjoyment of learning.
His views are shared by the headmaster of top private school Wellington College, Anthony Seldon, who argued recently that schools should take a more holistic approach to teaching and learning.
Mr Tice also singled out the lack of outside management in academies as "the main driver of their success".
The Conservative party announced today that it would make it easier for charities and other bodies to open new academy schools, in the wake of new statistics showing that last year 100,000 children were denied a place at their preferred state school.