Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Lyell (Conservative). It was answered by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin (Labour) on Thursday, 6 November 2008.

Schools: Academies

Question: Whether academies are their preferred model for school improvement.

Answer: My Lords, a range of school improvement approaches are available to local authorities and the department to raise standards in schools, including academies. The National Challenge aims to secure higher standards in all secondary schools, with a focus on ensuring that all schools achieve above the floor target of 30 per cent of students achieving five good GCSEs, including English and maths. Academies are a central part of the challenge, alongside National Challenge trusts, federations and additional support from National Challenge advisers.

Secondary information