Starmer Revises Schools Bill Following Backlash Over Academy Restrictions

The Prime Minister announced amendments to address concerns about teacher pay caps and curbs on academy freedoms.

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill faced criticism for potentially limiting academy freedoms, including teacher pay flexibility and curriculum choices.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed amendments to clarify there would be no cap on teacher salaries, responding to concerns from academy leaders and opposition parties.
The bill proposes requiring academies to follow the national curriculum and hire only qualified teachers, sparking debate over whether this undermines innovation in education.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and academy trust leaders criticized the bill as an attack on educational standards and academy successes, while some headteachers supported its inclusive measures.
The bill also includes provisions for free breakfast clubs in primary schools, a register for home-schooled children, and stronger protections against illegal schools.