What significant problem has been identified with schools, particularly academies and free schools?

Lack of accountability is a significant issue that has been identified with schools, particularly academies and free schools. These institutions often operate with greater autonomy from local authorities and can have different accountability structures compared to traditional public schools. This can lead to challenges in ensuring that they are meeting educational standards and delivering quality education.

Because these schools have more freedom concerning their curricula, management, and budgets, there may be less oversight to ensure they are held accountable for student outcomes and overall performance. This raises concerns among policymakers, educators, and the public regarding the effectiveness and quality of education provided in these types of institutions, particularly if there are no strong mechanisms in place to evaluate and improve their practices.

While other issues, such as the potential for excessive government oversight or increased funding requirements, may be debated within the context of education reform, the core problem of lack of accountability directly affects the operational integrity and educational effectiveness of academies and free schools.