I was in the House of Commons even earlier than usual on Budget day. There's always lots to do and MPs meet over breakfast in the Members' Tea Room to digest the newspapers and discuss what the Chancellor might pull from his hat. One Budget surprise that was nothing of the sort of course was the plan to see all state schools become academies.
It was all over the media that morning (and had been trailed by the Prime Minister in his conference speech last October) but I knew right away this would cause a great deal of interest back home so had emailed - and had a response from - a number of our secondary heads before breakfast was through.
85% of schools in Hampshire are already "good" or "outstanding" (that figure rises to 94% in the Winchester District) so it would be very strange if I didn’t question any proposed change to the status quo.
Headteachers in my constituency tell me they get a first rate service from Hampshire County Council which would, in part at least, explain why so few schools in the county have chosen to become academies so far. They also tell me that partnership working across the area (among secondary, primary, CofE and non CofE schools) is better than it's been for years and I agree that must be protected.
As I said in the House of Commons recently, there is widespread confusion in our area as to what is broken here that needs fixing by such a radical prescription and that phrase clearly caught the mood. I am however, acutely aware that we could be in danger of a ‘we’re alright Jack’ mentality. Surely, children in Lancashire deserve the same standard of education and the same life chances as children in Hampshire so the Government is right to demand educational excellence everywhere.
That is why I also urged Ministers, both in the House and in private since, to not let the bad be the enemy of the good. We do need things to change where schools are failing young people – for their sakes and that of our economy longer term – but we should not do that by a one size fits all that damages what is already working and the Government understands that.
I met one-on-one with the Secretary of State, Nicky Morgan, last week and we’re in daily contact. I have been clear in communicating the views from constituency heads and challenging her to clarify the future of small rural settings as well as special schools, such as Shepherds Down.
Ultimately, any change that comes from this process needs to find a way whereby high performing council’s (such as Hampshire) can carry on delivering the services and support schools here clearly value while undergoing the kind of scrutiny that will make them even better and weed out any hint of complacency.
All of this remains the focus of discussions I am having with Hampshire, the Diocese (who are a key player in this regardless of what Government does next), the University of Winchester, teachers and Ministers.
You can find more information about my wider work as your local MP at www.stevebrine.com or via 01962 791110.
Steve Brine
MP for Winchester & Chandler’s Ford