The Spectator has been a long-term fan of Michael Gove – indeed, we named him the
single best reason to vote Tory at the last election. His ‘free school’ reforms are laudable and the emphasis on improving standards is imperative. Under the previous government,
Britain slid down the international rankings of educational attainment. A tide of politically correct initiatives robbed teachers of their classrooms and discipline suffered. The post code lottery
under which state education operates sentences the poorest and most vulnerable in society to rot in under-funded sink schools. Reform is both a moral crusade and a necessity if Britain is to
continuing punching above its weight in the future.
But reform cannot be delivered just at the education secretary’s whim. The opposition is entrenched, marshalled by well-drilled unions. It also has a psychological advantage: innovation breeds suspicion.
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