White Paper: Higher standards, better schools for all
The DfES published the White Paper Higher standards, better schools for all — More choice for parents and pupils on 25 October 2005. This White Paper sets out our plans to improve the system radically; it puts parents and the needs of their children at the heart of our schools, frees up schools to innovate and succeed, and brings in new dynamism and new providers. The DfES will ensure that every school delivers an excellent education, that every child achieves to their potential, and that the system is increasingly driven by parents and choice.
To make that happen we need an education system that is designed around the needs of the individual, with education tailored to the needs of each child and parents having a say in how schools are run. To achieve that we need to reform schools themselves so that they have the freedoms and flexibilities to deliver the tailored, choice-driven education we all want.
Our aim is to transform our schools system so that every child receives an excellent education — whatever their background and wherever they live.
The White Paper covers:
- The challenge to reform
- A new school system
- Choice and access for all
- Full engagement of pupils and parents in raising standards
- The role of parents in shaping the school system
- Greater support and flexibility for high-performing schools
- School discipline
- A new role for local authorities
- The school workforce and school leadership
- Education tailored to the individual
- Measures to tackle failure and underperformance
- Resource and legislative implications
Read an online summary of the proposals contained in the White Paper.
You can find the full document and the executive summary on the Online Publications website.
Read about Trust schools and what they have to offer.
Teachers magazine has produced a special supplement which explains the changes proposed in the new White Paper. Make sure that you don't miss out on any Teachers magazine supplement by subscribing free to receive your own copy of Teachers magazine (primary or secondary) straight to your home.
Last updated: 13 February 2006
