Since the coalition government came to power just under a year ago the number of academy schools in England has tripled. Only schools judged by OFSTED as ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good with Outstanding features’ have been allowed to apply to convert in their own right. Other schools have had to apply as part of wider chains, working with strong schools. For parents looking for a new school for their child, this indicator of quality provision could be a welcome development.

This month an additional 162 schools in England became academies; privately run, publicly funded schools within the state sector, bringing the total to more than 600, compared with 203 this time last year. According to a poll by the Association of School and College Leaders, nearly half of secondary schools are intending to convert to academy status or have already become converter academies.  Minister for Schools, Lord Hill, said: "I am delighted that so many schools have decided to become academies. As academies they can decide what is best for their pupils, parents and the local community, free from red-tape and politicians."

However, the teaching unions are concerned that the academies programme will create competition between schools and provide less local accountability. Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "It is irresponsible for the government to be prioritising an expensive academy programme at a time when essential local authority services to schools - such as specialist SEN support, speech and language therapy, education psychologists - are being cut.” Lord Hill said, “By setting good schools free and improving performance in weak schools we will raise standards for all children no matter their background.”

The government is now inviting more to apply for the semi-independent status. The coalition wants all schools to have the chance to become academies, including primary and special schools and is opening the programme up to even more schools from this month. Schools will need to demonstrate good exam performance over the last three years in comparison with local and national achievement. Special schools will need to show other success in supporting the learning of pupils with special educational needs. The government says the programme will improve standards in schools by allowing head teachers to take more control and do what is right for their pupils.