Ed Balls’ article in today’s Independent is yet more of the same accountability-dodging over the recent Sats scandal. Rather than apologising, he returns to the tired “I share your frustration” mantra, as though that absolves him of any blame. He does, though, let us know what we can hold him accountable for:
“So when this newspaper calls for me to be held account, as it did last week, and demanded to know my plans to improve children’s education, I say that test results are crucial to my accountability – as well as that of local authorities and individual governing bodies.”
Does anyone think we can actually hold Balls to this? Rightly or wrongly, there are numerous ways to escape accountability over falling test standards. An education minister who hasn’t been in the role for very long could always argue that current results are down to his predecessor, and that the latest “reforms” haven’t had time to filter through the system.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in