NOT FOR SALE:
EDUCATION IS FOR PEOPLE NOT PROFIT
Conference organised by the Promoting Comprehensive Education Network (PCEN)
Saturday 8 December 2001
10.30 - 3.45
University of London Union,
Malet Street,
London WC1
(Euston, King's Cross, Russell Square, Goodge Street)
Contributions from:
- Tony Benn
- Melian Mansfield
- Bernard Regan
- Dexter Whitfield
- Micheline Mason
- John Illingworth
and many others.
- Plenaries
- Workshops
- PFI
- Companies running LEA services
- Companies running schools
- Privatisation of colleges and 14+
This is a crucial conference at a crucial time. Growing popular opposition to privatisation of education has forced New Labour to mute, but not retreat from its commitment to privatisation.
The White Paper Schools achieving success, gives the Secretary of State the power to force local authorities to bring in private companies to turn around 'failing' schools and gives private companies the right to bid for new schools, with the Secretary of State, not LEAs making the final decision.
The increased autonomy given to 'good schools' will also further the likelihood of more business involvement in schools.
Despite the Railtrack fiasco, the Government intend to press on with their plans. Some of the White Paper proposals could be on the statute books very soon. This event seeks to further our understanding of the wider issues behind privatisation and to develop effective campaigning strategies.
Earlier this year, PCEN, organised a highly successful conference in defence of comprehensive education. The network attempts to draw together both individuals and campaigning organisations. More details from Janet Holland (Hollanj@sbu.ac.uk)
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