Blair Re-Evaluates Worth of “Evangelical” Faith Schools

Reports have emerged today that British Prime Minister Tony Blair is having doubts about controversial plans he previously announced, to set up 200 privately sponsored academy schools by 2010.

The idea has been the centre of much heated debate among MP’s, with a number calling the proposed academies “evangelical” and questioned the motive in setting the schools up.

According to the Telegraph newspaper on Monday 15th August, Blair has begun to look into the value-aspects of the proposals. The plan has been to fund the project with £25 million of public funds, and £2 from private sponsors who will then control the school privately.

The Telegraph newspaper reported that an advisor to the Prime Minister said, “Tony's concerned about the way in which the city academies programme is just throwing money at the problem. He's not sure it's good value.”

The scheme that will cost £5 billion has come up against serious problems already in its early stages. Problems have sprung up negotiating with the sponsors, reports have come in that only half the 17 schools have improved their results, and even two of them have been criticised by Ofsted since they opened.

The Commons Education Select Committee has called for the scheme to go ahead pending further investigation and evidence that the investment is worthwhile.

The Commons Education Select Committee Chairman, Barry Sheerman said, “It's not in the prime minister's nature to get second thoughts about something. He has been evangelical about academies and there's nothing wrong with that. With the first wave on the ground it could be that they are learning from better partnerships. I hope the government's listening.”

Sheerman continued, “Why doesn't every university have an academy? It's a good marriage. You temper the criticisms about what do sponsors know about education. It allows the university to get its roots down into a local area. And it also stops you getting worried that 40% [of sponsors] are from religious groups.”

He concluded that "anyone in their right mind" should be re-analysing faith education, especially after poor unity among faith groups was highlighted by the recent bombings in London and questions over national religious identities among young people were raised.