WHILE agreeing with Hunter, Maden and Mallen that education authorities are in need of reform, their proposal raises more problems than it solves.
How would a learning and skills authority intervene in a failing school? Is the body the final authority on local educational issues? How is its responsibility for managing school places compatible with increaed curriculum innovation, and hence parental choice, allowed to schools?
What happens if the unelected experts disagree with the elected officials? How is this body any more efficient than a successful education authority operating a best-value policy?
Gillian Penlington
Social Market Foundation
11 Tufton Street
London SW1
