Morgan rules out more school commissioners

The Conservative Party is proposing to substantially increase the powers and scope of England’s eight regional commissioners, who currently oversee free school and academy performance.

Under its proposed manifesto pledges commissioners will also have responsibility for the performance of all state schools, be able to sack head teachers at failing schools and hire experts to draw up homework and school uniform policies.

Answering education select committee questions on academies and free schools today, Morgan ruled out boosting commissioner numbers to cope with their new powers.

However, she did concede that if Conservative plans to expand their role are implemented extra funding would be needed to boost staff numbers and backroom support.

“I don’t expect to see more but their offices will grow,” she said, adding that they do not need to be increased in number to be responsive to local needs.

“They are often former local head teachers, they know their local areas and schools very well,” she added.

Morgan also revealed there is no formal regular meeting between her and the regional commissioners, even though they work on behalf of the Department for Education.

She said: “I’d rather they were out doing work than sitting in Whitehall talking to me.”

Instead most communication between her and commissioners is by the phone, email or when she visits local areas.

As well as the role of regional commissioners the committee also asked Morgan about Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw’s concerns that under current legislation he is unable to inspect the overall effectiveness of academy chains.

Morgan said the regulator is already able to inspect the support academy chains provide to schools.