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Independent school headmaster criticises "over-zealous" regulation

Posted on 30th April 2009

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There is a need to bring an end to "over-zealous" regulation in schools, a private school headmaster has argued.

Speaking at the annual education conference of Brighton College today (30th April), head Richard Cairns is due to argue that education is suffering as a result of excessive red tape and health and safety regulation.

The example of PSHE teachers in one local authority being invited to attend a course on The Importance of Handwashing in Schools will be cited by the independent institution head as an example of this.

"Teachers who should have been enthusing children with a love of maths or history or science will instead be learning how to teach children to wash their hands - for two and a half hours," Mr Cairns is expected to say.

He will also argue that the burden placed on schools will only be increased if Labour's new equality bill is passed.

After it emerged that Olympic diver Tom Daley has been pulled out of his state school after being a victim of bullying, Brighton College offered the 2012-medal hopeful a scholarship.