Trust schools bill to become law

A bill to give schools greater freedom from local authorities is due to receive royal assent this week.

The Education and Inspections Bill introduces trust status for schools giving them control over their admissions arrangements and assets. 

However, under amendments agreed in the House of Lords, the law will also place a duty on schools to promote children’s wellbeing, answering long-standing criticisms about the lack of pressure on schools to engage with the Every Child Matters  agenda.

The bill also transfers responsibility for inspecting children’s social care services to Ofsted.