Rona Kiley puts up a stout defence of academies (“Academies deserve everyone’s support”, TES, April 1) but does not mention a vital issue of concern to parents who may want to choose one for their child.
The Government is not currently planning to require qualified teachers in academies to register with the General Teaching Council.
This is disturbing because it means that children in these publicly-funded schools are being denied the safeguards for children in neighbouring schools.
Registration with the GTC is an important safeguard of the public interest, demonstrating to parents that their children are being taught by qualified teachers of good standing. In all other areas, we are working to improve the protections offered to children.
Exempting academies from the framework of professional standards and regulation is a backward step. Ministers must reconsider.
Carol Adams Chief executive General Teaching Council for England James Rogers Executive director Universities Council for the Education of Teachers
