Tory pledge to force private schools to sponsor academies based on ‘dubious evidence’
The Conservatives’ plans to force universities and private schools to sponsor academies in a bid to raise standards in the state sector is based on “dubious” evidence, experts have warned. Theresa May wants both the higher education and the independent school sector to help set up free schools and sponsor academies as part of her social justice agenda and create a “great meritocracy”.
The party’s manifesto outlined plans to make universities to do more to help state as a condition for their charging full tuition fees, while private schools will have to do so in return for keeping their charitable status.
The Conservative manifesto states that at least 100 private schools will be expected to sponsor a state school in return for keeping their tax relief on fees. But Professor Becky Francis, Director of the UCL Institute of Education, raised significant doubts about the policy, stating there is “no evidence” that input from either sector will raise the quality of state schools.
See also: Private schools will be forced to sponsor state sector or lose charitable status
The return of touch typing: Leading schools put the skill on the timetable to make pupils more employable
It was once an undervalued skill limited to clerks and secretaries working in the company typing pool.But in 2017 the ability to touch type at speed is seen as an essential asset in the jobs market.
Now it is being taught in Britain’s most prestigious schools after parents demanded it be put on the timetable.
Brighton College, a top independent school, is one of the first to introduce lessons for pupils.
Eton is also understood to have brought in touch typing classes and the move could be followed by state schools across the country.
With most jobs requiring fast and accurate typing, headteachers say it would be remiss of them not to teach it.