VENUE: CENTRAL LONDON
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, INCLUDING LATEST AGENDA AND BOOKING GO TO http://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/forums/event.php?eid=150

Guest of Honour: Senior representative, Department for Education
This seminar will offer a timely opportunity to discuss the future of the academies programme and the establishment of 'free schools' - schools run by outside providers with state funds. The seminar follows the announcement of an 'Academies Bill' in the Queen's speech which will give more schools the opportunity to become academies, allowing them to opt out of local authority control and allow a greater range of providers to run schools. Planned sessions examine the record of academies in driving up school standards and improving pupil attainment, whether alternative approaches to school improvement should be considered and if the programme is offering good value for money. The seminar will also look at how quickly the programme should be moved forward and whether rapid expansion, as proposed by Government risks affecting the quality of the programme. The impact of academies on the communities around them and the establishment of 'free schools' will also be considered, including how they should be funded and held accountable.

We are delighted that a senior representative, Department for Education will be delivering a keynote address at this seminar.

Other confirmed speakers include: John Bangs, Visiting Professor, Institute of Education, University of London; Geoffrey Davis, Consultant, Lewis Silkin; Angela Hands, Director, National Audit Office; Stephen Hart, Senior Solicitor, Winckworth Sherwood; Phil Hearne, Executive Director, Northumberland Church of England Academy; Lucy Heller, Managing Director, Schools UK, ARK (Absolute Return for Kids); Sarah Hohler, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, Kent County Council; David Hudson, Headteacher, Wickersley School and Sports College, Rotherham; Emma Knights, Chief Executive, National Governors Association; Alasdair Smith, National Secretary, Anti Academies Alliance; Rachel Wolf, Director, New Schools Network; Toby Young, Journalist and Commentator; senior representative, Specialist Schools and Academies Trust and senior representative, NASUWT. For the latest information, including how to book your place and a list of the latest confirmed speakers, please go to http://www.westminsterforumprojects.co.uk/forums/event.php?eid=150

Gavin Barwell MP has kindly agreed to chair part of this seminar.