The collapse of democracy in England’s schools

Aditya Chakrabortty’s description of the process by which the private sector forces state schools into its net is very accurate (The private takeover of schools is well under way, Journal, 5 December). I have been involved with (regrettably unsuccessful) attempts to stop this coercive process in several schools, including speaking out on public platforms against the grant-maintained schools initiative in the early 90s, which was the thin end of the very aggressive wedge now transforming our education system.

The diminution of any parental, even public, influence on these privatised schools is dangerous for democracy. The traditional constitution of governing bodies was far from perfect, but at least it obliged school managements to balance differing viewpoints in their communities and to make policy that engendered general support and confidence from the parent body. Now we are faced with largely unknown individuals controlling school policy, behind closed doors, almost without hindrance. There have been a number of scandals, some financial, affecting schools that have been taken over. It is generally a hallmark of a takeover that somebody in the management gets a large pay rise.

I seem to recall spending my time as a head refusing to accept my target-driven bonus even though I invariably achieved it, to set an example when the budget was under pressure. I think this was called responsible leadership; there are too many individuals scooping prizes from this dubious privatisation. It is high time it was curbed.
Peter Sainsbury
Retired secondary headteacher, Naseby, Northamptonshire

• Aditya Chakrabortty is so right to highlight the collapse of democracy inherent in the academisation of local schools. It should be of great concern to all that huge sums of taxpayers’ money are being given to private bodies in order to provide a public service.

Those involved in the campaign to save Waltham Holy Cross primary school from the “headbangers” are to be applauded for their actions, together with the other schools attempting to resist the theft of public assets.
David Moore
Hyde, Greater Manchester

• Aditya Chakrabortty tells a story about “democracy in Britain” and how badly it is broken. Could I note that this is an English tragedy, not a British one? In devolved, democratic Wales and Scotland, the education systems are also being transformed, but with a focus on what goes on in the classroom to equip the citizens of the future for whatever awaits them, rather than creating opportunities for private profit.
Dr Martin Price
Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan

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