The majority of academy leaders in England have expressed a lukewarm response to key provisions within the government's new schools bill. A recent survey of 120 chief executives representing approximately 1,000 academies revealed that most anticipate little change to their day-to-day management.
The legislation, introduced by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, seeks to reduce certain autonomies enjoyed by academies, such as exemptions from the national curriculum and statutory pay scales. Despite initial strong objections from some prominent school figures, the survey suggests a more subdued reaction among academy leaders.
When questioned about adopting statutory pay scales for teacher salaries, 79% of trust chief executives said it would have 'no effect' on their schools. A further 6% saw a positive impact, while only 10% foresaw a negative outcome. Similarly, 68% stated that implementing the national curriculum across all academies would have no impact, with 17% expecting a negative effect.
Some leaders voiced concerns over potential losses of flexibility in curriculum design, arguing that academy freedoms had allowed trusts to create innovative programmes tailored to their students' needs. Education Secretary Phillipson maintained that the reforms would establish a 'floor – but no ceiling', allowing for continued innovation beyond core requirements.
The survey's most critical responses were directed towards proposed Ofsted reforms, separate from the schools bill and involving a new grading system. Over half of the surveyed trust leaders expressed concerns that these changes would negatively impact their schools.
Several leaders also highlighted missing components from the bill, with fair funding for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) being frequently cited as the 'biggest issue'. Without adequate funding to cover increased costs, they argued that the situation for children and families would only worsen.