Despite the obstacles and abuse she faced while setting up the school, Birbalsingh had staff who shared her values, commitment and determination.
We need more of them. But they also need the chance to offer something different.
Last week, I met with one such person. Her name is Katharine Birbalsingh – founder and headmistress of the Michaela Community School.
The reality of local authority control of schools was not democratic, but rule by officers and party hacks.
At the local level, there is also good news in the successful reform of Great Yarmouth Charter Academy.
Pupils enter the dining hall smiling and loudly reciting Shelley’s Ozymandias.
The Ofsted report is a vindication for the approach of Katharine Birbalsingh.
From my perspective, his most significant changes are the reshaping of the school curriculum and examinations.
His passion for social justice was reinforced by a visit to Michaela Community School – of which I was Chairman of Governors.