Sebastian Payne

Another good private school wants to join the state system. Why is Labour trying to stop it?

The battle over the King's School in Tynemouth shows just how deeply confused Labour has become about education reform

The King's School, Tynemouth - soon to become Kings Priory Academy. Photo: Sebastian Payne for The Spectator 
issue 13 July 2013

When my parents came to choose a secondary school, they were naturally keen to send little Sebastian to the best possible place — regardless of whether it was state or independent. Their first choice was Emmanuel College in Gateshead, where we lived — one of Kenneth Baker’s original city technology colleges and inspiration for Labour’s academy programme.

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