Unleashing Greatness?

Former Head of Ofsted Christine Gilbert presents the key recommendations of the RSA / Pearson Think Tank Academies Commission and considers, with an expert panel, how can we ensure the academies programme realises its transformative potential?

Launch of the RSA / Pearson Think Tank Academies Commission final report

Christine Gilbert, former Head of Ofsted presents the key recommendations of the RSA / Pearson Think Tank Academies Commission, following consideration of evidence submitted since May 2012.

An expert panel will examine the new educational landscape which has emerged with the implementation of the academies programme and discuss responsibilities for teachers, governors, parents and policymakers.

Discussants to include: Andreas Schleicher, deputy director of education, OECD; Dr Vanessa Ogden, headteacher, Mulberry School for Girls; and David Carter, executive principal, Cabot Learning Federation

Chair: Matthew Taylor, chief executive, RSA

Read the Report

The Academies Commission

Set up by the RSA and the Pearson Think Tank, with sponsorship from The Cooperative and CfBT, the ‘Speed Commission’ is chaired by former Head of Ofsted Professor Christine Gilbert. She is joined by Commissioners Professor Chris Husbands (Director of the Institute of Education), and Brett Wigdortz (CEO, TeachFirst).

The Commission addressed two principal questions: What are the implications of complete academisation for school improvement and pupil attainment? How can improvement and attainment best be secured within an academised system? As such it focuses on issues of governance and accountability, and on outcomes for all pupils.