2015- present - Conservative government policies

Question 1

Academies growing into multi-academy trusts

Answer 1

Many successful academy schools have now grown to open new schools or link with other schools
Idea is that - good schools help to ensure that their influence is felt elsewhere, and that they continue to grow and expand
EVAL - critics say that the programme have claimed academy trusts are “swallowing up” smaller, yet equally effective schools.

Question 2

Progress 8:
changes in measuring performance of secondary schools

Answer 2

government changed the way school are ranked and league-tabled:
> in past school was ranked purely on “raw attainment” (grades) pupils achieve - this was unfair as some schools had different social class backgrounds (middle class had higher grades due to it being easier)
> Progress 8 - introduced to measure how much progress pupils make across the 8 core subjects in their school time
> this means schools were judged on where pupils end up, not where they start
> this is fairer in ensuring teachers ensure that all students receive a decent eduction
EVAL - social class inequalities still remain as middle class have more resources to make more progress than working class.

Question 3

Expanding selection - introduction of Grammar schools (new)

Answer 3

Theresa May joined prime minister and said:
> grammar schools provide excellent opportunities from a range of social class backgrounds - who show highest level of academic ability
> she feels it is unfair to deny such pupils a place at high-achieving, state-funded grammar schools.
> plans are on hold at the moment