Barking and Dagenham NUT welcome government’s academy U-turn

One of the country’s biggest teaching unions has welcomed the government’s U-turn over turning all Barking and Dagenham schools into academies.

Education secretary Nicky Morgan conceded defeat over current proposals to convert all schools, although she stressed that the government was still in favour of academies.

Dominic Byrne, Barking and Dagenham branch secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) welcomed the news and believes the decision is a victory for political action.

“It shows the power of campaigning and standing up to the government,” he said

“In the future the government should speak to teachers and listen to teachers before coming up with future policies.

“It’s the best thing for pupils and parents.”

Chancellor George Osborne announced the proposals to take all English school outside of local authority control in his Budget two months ago, but the government has come under increased pressure over the issue.

Education experts and MPs across all parties have spoken out against the measures with the National Association of Head Teachers threatening to take strike action earlier this week.

Mrs Morgan said: “Making every school an academy is the best way to ensure every child, regardless of birth or background, has access to a world-class education.

“I am today reaffirming our determination to see all schools to become academies. “However, having listened to the feedback from parliamentary colleagues and the education sector we will now change the path to reaching that goal.”