The government wants all schools to have either Trust or Foundation status or become Academies (independent schools)   The reforms would diminish the status of Local Education Authorities (LEAs) by allowing schools to opt out of LEA control would essentially become independent or private businesses.

UNISON is particulaly concerned about the reforms which will change the role of local authorities to commissioners rather than providers of education and loosen the control of the LEA over the allocation of pupil places.  UNISON believes that for comprehensive education to be successful a holistic approach is needed in responding to the needs of local communities but this will be undermined if individual schools are allowed to determine their own admissions or expansion.

Commenting on the proposals, Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary said, "It may sound attractive to leave schools to make their own decisions about admissions and to increase the influence of parents, faith and business groups but the proposals in the white paper will bring more complex structures and governance when all parents really want is access to good local schools.

"There are some parts of the white paper that are positive and forward thinking such as the emphasis on personalised learning and more flexibility in the cirriculum.  This is what the Government should concentrate on, not increasing private sector involvement.