Academies bill

The government stands accused of rushing its flagship schools reform legislation through parliament.

MPs finally voted the academies bill through the Commons last night, with the coalition government retaining a 92-vote majority.

But education secretary Michael Gove faces criticism from all points of the political spectrum for having dispensed with the usual scrutiny of major legislation.

There was no green paper, white paper or consultation phase for the academies bill. It received just eight days scrutiny by the Commons, a fraction of the usual time devoted to major pieces of legislation.

The reforms which have been rushed through are attracting criticism for being ill-thought-out as a result.

Under the provisions of the academies bill schools will be given the opportunity to become academies, freeing them of control by local authorities. They will be allowed to set the terms and conditions of employment for staff and set admission policies.