You've seen it in the news this week. What do you think? PwC's report for the Department of Education and Skills reckons accountants and business executives should be allowed to run some schools.
As a parent governor who has recently participated in a head teacher selection panel, I have my own views, but what are yours?
Read the full article and my comments in Accountancy Age at http://www.accountancyage.com/accountancyage/news/2172888/accountants-fill-headteacher
As an ex-education officer I always thought that there was more room in education for business management - but not at the top of the tree. This is going down the root of managers having power over doctors in the health service. Many schools now have bursars and are paying reasonable salaries for business / office managers who are totally different to the school secretary of old. Accountants, business managers etc. in education should be there to support the core role - teaching our children. Alternatively, the programmes for aspiring head teachers should have compulsory business management and accountancy modules in them. Being a great teacher isn't enough to make a brilliant head. I know - I've seen many really good teachers buckle in their first headship - and many not so brilliant teachers being excellent heads.
PRF Solutions runs a programme for headteachers and leadership teams in schools - check "The Head Coach" on our website.
Posted by: Pauline Fraser | January 24, 2007 at 11:26 AM