PM backs higher standards, greater independence for schools and 'confronting educational failure head-on' as he opens one of the first free schools today
David Cameron will identify discipline, "freedom for schools" and "high expectations" as the key factors that make for a good education system as he opens one of the first "free" schools today.
"We want to create an education system based on real excellence, with a complete intolerance of failure," the prime minister will say in a speech being seen by some as backing a return to elitism in schools.
While there is no direct mention of the recent riots in extracts of the speech released in advance, he will say: "We've got to be ambitious too, if we want to mend our broken society.
"Because education doesn't just give people the tools to make a good living ? it gives them the character to live a good life, to be good citizens. So for the future of our economy, and our society, we need a first-class education for every child."
Speaking at the opening of one of the first new "free" schools ? set up by parents, teachers, faith groups, charities and others outside of local authority control ? he will say that the country had been "bogged down in a great debate" for too long about how to provide that first-class education.
"Standards or structures? Learning by rote or by play? Elitism or all winning prizes? These debates are over ? because it's clear what works," he will add.
"Discipline works. Rigour works. Freedom for schools works. Having high expectations works. Now we've got to get on with it ? and we don't have any time to lose. So there are three bold things we're doing. One: ramping up standards, bringing back the values of a good education.
"Two: changing the structure of education, allowing new providers in to start schools, and giving schools greater independence. And three: confronting educational failure head-on."
Amid backbench Tory concerns over Liberal Democrat influence, the prime minister will also claim that both coalition parties share a "passion" for free schools.
The deputy prime minister and Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, said on Monday that the new free schools must be open to all children and not just a "privileged few".
He added that they would be acceptable only if they reduce social segregation rather than entrenching inequalities of opportunity and called on the education secretary, Michael Gove, to ensure that the second wave of the schools, to be announced within the next few weeks, are in poorer neighbourhoods or areas with a shortage of school places.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/sep/09/cameron-free-school-speech-elitism
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