Four panellists with a range of experience and views joined the APPG and around 50 guests to debate “The changing schools landscape: what can maintained schools, free schools and academies learn from one another?”
With Nic Dakin MP chairing the meeting, the panellists were:
- Fiona Millar, education journalist and co-founder of the Local Schools Network
- Adam Dawson, Chair of Governors and co-founder of the Etz Chaim Jewish Primary School
- Bill Watkin, Operational Director of The Schools Network
- Ray Barker, Director of the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA)
Certain themes quickly became apparent from the diverse opinions, including the need for a middle tier, the legal and practical ambiguities around free schools and academies, how to increase transparency, opportunities for collaboration and making the most of the “schools tapestry”.
