Why have a minister?
Sir: 'Why should Mr Mulley be overruled by the Law Lords?' one hears it asked about the Tameside ruling. Maybe the answer lies in another question—'Why should there be a Secretary of Education?' It is commonly thought that a public education system must be a stateeducation system. But a moment's reflection tells us that teachers arequite capable of running schools without a massive deadweight superstructure of political bureaucracy. To date, no one has been able to tell us why state schools should not become autonomous, like their independent and private counterparts.
Why shouldn't autonomous schools, whether originating in the state or private sector, co-operate together to form Local
Education Communities, replacing the quasi-political Local Education Authority? A National Education Council organised by these L.E.C.s can mediate the needs of the different localities. In a democratic education service, there is no call for imposed authority—or for a Secretary of Education.
An autonomous public education service would allow groups of teachers (and parents) to organise their schools in any way for which there is demand, and to set up new schools wherever there is a need. If comprehensive schools provide the healthiest and best form of education, there is no doubt that they would thrive. Children have the right to attend the school which those who know them best believe to be the most suitable. Diversity in education should not depend upon private means.
An increase in the number of schools, and a reduction in their sizes, would provide variety, create good social units, and ensure that parents have access to alternative schools. Badly taught schools would tend to die through lack of pupils, and may be revived by new groups of teachers.
One objective of the state comprehensive system is to create social equality, through the denial of choice. But in a free society, social integration is the by-product of free democratic working, as outlined above. An autonomous education service must freely look after the underprivileged in its care. What do the politicians add to education? Confusion, contention, bitterness, instability, costly bureaucracy, heartache, and many a frustrated, disenchanted teacher.
The clipping of Mr Mulley's wings by the Law Lords could herald a breakthrough in the education service.
Robin Boatman 136 Maypole Road, Ashurstwood, East Grinstead, Sussex.
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