Was it not a little disingenuous to allow James Tooley to attack local education authorities and suggest that “education companiesI would better satisfy parents’ desire for accountability” without mentioning that he is currently working for the American private education company Edison?
The Edison Project runs 25 state-funded schools in the United States with more to come. The company is also holding discussions with government officials, a small number of local authorities, and several city technology colleges and schools, about how it might expand its business by setting up a British operation within our state sector.
Just one of the benefits which our democratic, local government system offers is a safeguard which would require a declaration of such interests if a debate such as that in The TES were taking place in a council chamber.
Martin Rogers The Education Network 1-5 Bath Street London EC1