Will national uniformity in education strain the sector?

Education institutes across the country are under immense financial pressures and are struggling to keep up with the rising demand with staff shortages. The new Children’s Wellbeing and Schools bill will only add on to the pressure according to energy litigation experts – Energy Solicitors Limited. 

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill mandating a national curriculum for all schools, including academies and implementing national pay scales has sparked a fierce debate, with academic heads warning it could reverse progress made in schools. Critics express concern on the bill threatening the freedoms that have led to innovation and improved standards leading to a negative impact on the recruitment of skilled teachers. Neil O’Brien, shadow schools minister, called the bill “pure vandalism”.

Academies currently operate with autonomy over curriculum and pay, and have been credited with raising standards, particularly in underperforming schools. However, the bill's supporters argue the shift will improve consistency, standardise education and protect vulnerable children by introducing measures like a home education register and unique child identifiers.

Energy Solicitors Limited understands the challenges and pressures faced by the educational sector. Victoria Myers, Senior Partner at Energy Solicitors Limited said: “It is critical to have skilled teaching to ensure children have a safe environment where they can excel academically. The controlled scope for innovation in the sector due to the bill impacts recruitment, hence the bill must ensure trusts and academies can continue to attract the very best talent.”