Better performance for council-maintained schools than academies, says study

Schools that remain in their local council perform better in Ofsted inspections than their counterparts that have converted to academies, according to new research for the Local Government Association.

The study found that, as of 31 January 2023, 93% of council-maintained schools were rated outstanding or good, compared to 87 per cent of academies that were graded since they converted.

Academy schools, sometimes run as part of Mult-Academy Trusts, operate independently of local authority control. They’re funded directly by government and tend to have more freedom than council-maintained schools in areas such as the curriculum, staffing and financial management.

The government has a policy ambition to convert all schools into academies by 2030.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said:

“Our research is a reminder of the superb performance of council-maintained schools, and yet further evidence of why councils should be allowed to open their own schools again.

“Academisation can be the right choice and a good choice for some schools, and we fully recognise the positive progress schools that became academies have made.

“Councils want to ensure that every child gets the very best education and schooling in life. That is why it is vital they are given a central role in providing education and that government recognises councils as the excellent education partner they are.”

The Local Government Association represents and supports local authorities across England.