Resources – Key documents

Higher Standards, Better Schools For All

This education white paper sets out the Government vision for education. The vision is centred around an increased level of input from parents in shaping local provision. By providing more choice and consulting more widely with parents, it is hoped that schools can more closely match local need, and that parents can provide a driving force for improvement.

The white paper gives provision for schools to apply for trust status. Trust schools will have much greater freedom to control aspects of their operation, such as staffing, physical assets, admissions policy and the curriculum.

A new commissioning role of the local authority is also outlined. Emphasis is placed on the local authority promoting choice, diversity and fair access, while continuing to ensure sufficient supply of places.

This summary sets out the key aspects of what is proving to be a contentious area of policy. Many of the changes will significantly affect the way in which schools and local authorities are run. The debate about the likely consequences that this will have on standards remains ongoing.

See the full document on the DCSF Web site.