School reform is economically essential for Britain’s future success, morally necessary for a fairer, more socially mobile society and politically essential for a centre-right party that wants to show that it is about spreading privilege not defending it. This is why Michael Gove’s agenda is so important to the Tories and their future success.
Gove was always going to face opposition. Members of the National Union of Teachers hustled David Blunkett and his guide dog into a room and then screamed at him for merely condemning school strikes from opposition in 1995. They were, obviously, going to do far worse to a radical Tory Education Secretary. Then, there was the Department for Education itself which was never going to be happy implementing a plan which involved it jettisoning most of its role, and a sizable number of the civil servants there losing their jobs. Furthermore, there was always going to be resistance from self-interested local councilors who will lose their grip over education under Gove’s reforms.
Last but not least, there was the ‘quiet life brigade’—those who were exhausted by the Education Secretary’s energy.
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