The New Statesman | UK politics and culture Who should decide how our children are taught?
Feb 12, 2025
Katharine Birbalsingh, known as the headteacher behind Michaela Community School's strict discipline and traditional teachings, passionately critiques Labour's education policies, labeling them cultural Marxism. In contrast, Leora Cruddas, chief executive of the Confederation of Schools Trusts, offers a more optimistic view of the proposed Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. They debate the necessary balance between central authority and educational autonomy, exploring how these reforms could impact the freedoms of academies and ultimately, the quality of education for disadvantaged students.
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Michaela School's Success
- Katharine Birbalsingh, headteacher at Michaela Community School, highlighted the school's success with strict discipline and traditional teaching methods.
- Over half of Michaela's students achieve high grades, exceeding national averages.
Flexible Hiring
- Birbalsingh shared an example of hiring an unqualified but talented lawyer as a music teacher.
- This flexibility, afforded by Michaela's academy status, allowed them to improve music resources significantly.
Centralization Debate
- Labour's proposed Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to centralize education, potentially limiting academy freedoms.
- This has sparked controversy, with some critics labeling the move as 'cultural Marxism'.