Data shows that council-maintained schools receive better Ofsted ratings, and improve more quickly, than academy schools.
Key messages
All children deserve access to the best possible education. Data shows that council-maintained schools receive better Ofsted ratings, and improve more quickly, than academy schools. The LGA has called on the Government to take advantage of councils' unique position in the community and give them a clear and strategic role in school improvement and holding schools to account for education standards.
Councils have wide-ranging duties and responsibilities to all children in their areas. Any changes to the system should improve the educational progress, attainment and life chances of all children and young people. Any proposed reform of the education system should be accompanied by a strong evidence base which shows how the reforms will benefit all children and young people.
We want every resident to have a good quality of life and to aspire to improve their circumstances regardless of their background or where they live. It can be far harder for people to take advantage of opportunities if they are in poverty, where energy is spent trying to make ends meet rather than looking out for the next step up. Those in poverty are also more likely to experience poor health and wellbeing.