LGA responds to PAC report on academy conversions

“We join the Committee in calling on the Government to clarify its current policy around academies. As part of this, government needs to recognise the key role councils can play in school improvement and place-planning.

“Evidence shows councils are better at turning around failing schools than those converted to a sponsor-led academy. This demonstrates the compelling need for local authorities to be given the powers to improve struggling schools, which would tackle the shortage of sponsors highlighted by this report.

“The report also raises concerns over the impact of academisation on councils’ ability to provide school places, which is why councils need to be allowed to open schools and to direct academies to expand where necessary.

“It is only by working with councils and giving them the necessary powers, rather than shutting them out, that we can meet the challenges currently facing the education system.”