Inside Track...with Sir David Hart

School governors have power, but they need training as well

Published 23 September 2008

The powers and effectiveness of school governing bodies has changed out of all recognition in recent years. They are at the front line, implementing a whole raft of government policies. At first glance it seems eminently sensible to have governors that represent the various constituencies. But a governing body has to act corporately. It is one body; not a group of factions.

Is there a fresh shock in store when the Sats fiasco is over?

Published 22 July 2008

Headteachers must have thought that the silly season had arrived early when they were given the news that the Key Stage Two and Three results would be late.

Worthy of further scrutiny

Published 26 May 2008

The headline in a recent Times caught my eye. “Row over plans to recycle 24,000 failing teachers,” it read. The figure was interesting in itself. The idea that teachers could be recycled was even more intriguing.

Will another initiative help to improve standards in schools?

Published 26 May 2008

The announcement of a Performance Improvement Board, to help improve the performance of secondary schools in Cumbria, is a salutary reminder that central and local government policy on education remains as confused as ever.