There should be the right to impose an immediate and substantial detention. Heads who don’t maintain order should be required by Ofsted to change their ways.
Labour MPs voted against the local government finance settlement. They would also scrap Ofsted, increase taxes, and delay Brexit.
Despite the proven success of schools like Michaela, the Left’s policies are more destructive than ever.
Despite the obstacles and abuse she faced while setting up the school, Birbalsingh had staff who shared her values, commitment and determination.
It was a great slogan for Sir Bruce Forsyth’s game show. It does not serve the needs of children, teachers and schools.
His passion for social justice was reinforced by a visit to Michaela Community School – of which I was Chairman of Governors.
The misery of bullying and vandalism has ended. I did not hear a raised voice during my visit, except for the loud recitation of poems learned by heart.
At times, says the Education Secretary, the post he holds requires “a bold and vociferous and constant presence”. But “at other times less so”.
Putting teachers and heads in charge has consistently allowed schools and pupils to excel. We must continue to put our trust in them.
Schools have changed a lot since we were pupils. But the way in which they are held to account hasn’t moved on very much in a quarter of a century.
Behind most disorder is the idea of anxiety. A great deal of that is caused by a feeling that the pupil can’t do their work.
There is no evidence of funding cuts reducing school standards. But Ofsted does need enough staff to thoroughly assess the performance of classroom teachers.
I was glad to see the Prime Minister and the Education Secretary doing so recently – particularly now that Rayner is clear she will scrap the programme.
My new report for the Centre for Policy Studies – published today – calls on the government to turbocharge its commitment to them.