AS A Dorset primary head teacher for some eight years and a teacher for more than 20, I have seen many government education initiatives come in in headline-grabbing form and then quietly disappear as they fail to provide the cure-all the politicians have promised.

What is the latest bright idea from Whitehall?

That all schools in England must convert to academy, whether they want to or not.

The government seems to think that conversion is the best thing since sliced bread and is going to cure all ills, even where no ills exist.

There is no evidence that academy conversion improves schools per se.

I believe current education policy is going to damage our schools.

The key issues in my view are universal forced academisation, teacher recruitment and retention, and testing and assessment.

I urge parents and those with an interest in the future of our local schools to contact their locals and let him know that education policy needs a major rethink.

Peter Meacham

Name and Address supplied

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