Tories clash on school’s academy bid

Education Secretary Michael Gove's flagship schools policy came under fire from Tory transport minister Theresa Villiers today, after his department rejected an application for academy status from a school in her constituency.

Ravenscroft School, a technology specialist school in a poorer part of Chipping Barnet, was rejected amid concerns about standards and under-subscription. Labour claims the decision underlines its case that the new push for academies is aimed at more affluent schools.

An angry Ms Villiers wrote to Mr Gove: "I know you do not wish academy status to be confined to those schools which head the results league tables."

All schools rated "outstanding" by Ofsted, which include Ravenscroft, have been invited to apply for academy status in a bid to cut bureaucracy and give them more control over budgets and curriculum.

After a meeting with Ms Villiers, Mr Gove has agreed to send the decision back for further consideration.