NEW COUNTY LEADER: Education (From Bicester Advertiser)

NEW COUNTY LEADER: Education

9:30am Wednesday 16th May 2012 in News

MR Hudspeth has backed plans for schools across Oxfordshire to become academies and hopes to encourage competition to improve standards.

Oxfordshire schools were accused of coasting by Prime Minister and Witney MP David Cameron and city primaries have some of the worst reading and writing exams results in the country.

Mr Hudspeth said that although the council was now “almost a mail box” for the finances of some schools, he would continue to work closely with them.

He said: “The main thing is that there are some schools that are not doing as well as they should be and those will be schools we will look at.

“We want to work closely with schools because ultimately they create the workforce of the future.

“We also want to encourage people to be competitive and be out there to provide a good education for children.”

When asked exactly what he planned to do to improve standards, he refused to give specific details.

Mr Hudspeth did not blame any group specifically for the poor results, saying: “Everybody has got to take responsibility.

“It is not just the governors or teachers, it is not just the county council or central Government, it is everyone working together.

“But I do not think one needs to blame people. Let’s move forward.”

Melinda Tilley will continue to be responsible for school standards in her rebranded post of cabinet member for education.