Forcing all schools to become academies 'will cost taxpayers £320m'

The money lost would be 'better spent on recruiting, training and keeping excellent teachers', experts urge

The Government has said it will bring forward legislation that all schools will be made to convert in cases where the local authority ‘can no longer viably support its remaining schools’ (Dan Kenyon)

Government plans to convert all remaining state schools into academies will cost taxpayers £320m, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.

A new report from the LGA, which represents councils across England, said converting all schools into academies in keeping with Tory education reforms would have a “negative impact on educational standards”.

Councils would also lose £80m a year in business rates income, it was revealed.

The organisation has called on the government to clarify its controversial plans in more detail, amid rumours of resistance to the plans within the Conservative Party.

Research undertaken by the organisation suggests that turning all remaining council-maintained schools into converter academies would cost £120m, but taxpayers would face a bill of £320m if these institutions all became sponsored academies.

This is partly because local councils are made liable to pay off any deficits the school may have when a conversion takes place. There would also be numerous internal costs, such as legal fees, staff fees and the cost of land.

Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council and chair of the LGA’s children and young people board, said the money which councils could lose would be “better spent on recruiting, training and keeping excellent teachers, and making sure children are safe and have the equipment and support they need, in buildings that are fit for purpose”.

He added: “These schools should not be forced down the academy route unless they make that decision themselves.”

“Councils should be seen as education improvement partners. We want to work with government to ensure every child gets the very best from their years at school.”

The government has offered academy chains £600 to help convert more authority-maintained schools.

Commenting on the calculated cost, Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), said: “Our taxes should be spent on improving the learning and achievements of young people, not on converting schools into academies.

“There is no evidence that forcing schools to become academies makes them any better than local authority schools.

“This money would be better spent by councils on improving existing local authority schools or maintaining the school support services that help children with special needs and families in difficulties.”

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: “We have the funding to ensure more schools can take advantage of the opportunities presented by becoming an academy, with over £600m available in this Parliament to support schools to convert and build capacity in the system.

“We recognise local authorities and church dioceses will also face costs and funding will also be provided to them.

“We are considering options for this and will make further information available in due course.”