Speaking to Parliament in his first address as children's secretary, EdBalls pledged the Government's continuing commitment to the academiesprogramme and announced universities will no longer have to fork out a2m entry fee before they can sponsor an academy.
"The test of whether an organisation can be a potential sponsor shouldnot be its bank balance, but whether it can demonstrate leadership,innovation and commitment to act in the public interest," said Balls,adding that he wanted every university to actively engage withacademies.
The move prompted suggestions of a step away from the academies'business-focused past.
"I think we are watching the slow evolution of a somewhat differentpolicy on academies," said John Chowcat, general secretary of theAssociation of Professionals in Education and Children's Trusts. "Theemphasis from Balls is on involving universities and higher educationinstitutions."
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