Regional Schools Commissioners’ roles ‘vary widely,’ new research reveals
England’s eight Regional Schools Commissioners face different and challenging roles that reflect a wide variation of issues in each region, according to new research published today by the National Foundation for Educational Research.
The report, A Guide to Regional Schools Commissioners, found that there were various factors affecting the role of RSCs.
These include the extent of academisation, which varies by region and phase; the wide variation in the numbers of coasting and ‘below floor’ schools per region; access to effective sponsors for academies which may require RSCs to look further afield for support; and rising pupil numbers.
RSCs have become an important part of the English education system since their appointment in September 2014 to oversee the growing numbers of academies in England.
Recent announcements have indicated that their roles will expand to include decision-making in tackling underperformance in local authority maintained schools and coasting schools.
Ben Durbin, Head of Impact at NFER said: “This report explains the background and role of the RSCs and presents an analysis of characteristics and challenges for each of the eight regions.
“It clearly shows that there is no single solution for all the RSCs. Instead they each have different and challenging roles that reflect a wide variation in the education landscape of the regions.”
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