05 July 2002
The government is imposing a strategy across the capital's 33 education authorities in an effort to attract and keep teachers and convince parents to have their children educated in state schools.
The proposed solutions to what Morris called the 'London challenge' include a London schools commissioner, 25 city academies, and an Innovation Fund to help leading schools work with others to raise standards.
Morris also announced a London Centre for Gifted and Talented Children at a cost of £10m. A further £7.5m has been earmarked for training potential head teachers.
The government has pledged to consult the School Teachers' Review Body at the end of July on how to reward teachers who are prepared to commit themselves to teaching in London.
At the same time, Stephen Twigg has been given the post of minister for London's schools. He will work in tandem with the London schools commissioner, a new post charged with helping LEAs and other partners collaborate on planning and transformation. The post will be filled in the autumn. Professor Tim Brighouse, credited with turning around Birmingham's education system, is the frontrunner for the appointment.
Morris, speaking at South Camden Community School on July 1, said: 'London presents us with a unique set of challenges on an incomparable scale. But that does not mean we should simply accept that standards will somehow always be lower. I believe we can raise standards, tackle bad behaviour and widen choice across all schools.
'I am putting forward our first plans to raise education in London, with more investment and new reform. I am in no doubt that we can improve performance and give more London children a better start in life.'
David Hart, general secretary of the NAHT teaching union, welcomed the attempt to improve education in London, but warned that more needed to be done. 'It is crucial that the government supports far-reaching measures to recruit and retain more permanent teachers in London schools,' he said.
'Sticking-plaster solutions will not solve the current crisis. Radical ideas, such as a separate London pay scale and more comprehensive support for the housing and travel costs associated with teaching in London, must be considered.'
PFjul2002
