The Prime Minister on Coasting Schools

The fact that David Cameron has written for the Daily Telegraph on coasting schools is interesting on several levels. First, it is clear that he is engaged in the education debate. Second, it is clear that he is strongly in support of Michael Gove. Third, he is prepared to take on some really hard issues - issues that previous governments have just not addressed - issues of under-achievement in largely conservative areas where the local community has no concerns about the schools.

The reality is that the accountability regime - both performance tables and Ofsted - has demonstrably not had the same effect on schools serving favoured middle class areas as on schools serving more impoverished areas. The same is true of selective schools. The pressure to make a rapid difference very quickly is just less pronounced in more favoured schools. I have recently worked with a headteacher who moved from a 'tough' school to a rural middle-class school, and he has made a huge difference in a short time through focusing rigorously on teaching and learning, and making sure that all concerned do their job in a systematic and professional way.