TEACHERS say efforts to improve the education system is being thwarted by short-term political cycles and strategy should be determined by an independent body.

Some of Swindon’s leading educators have supported calls by former Ofsted boss Sir David Bell for the UK’s system to be set by an independent group, because the changing priorities of politicians and administrations is undermining the positive improvements that could be made.

Clive Zimmerman, headteacher at Lydiard Park Academy, said: “Every headteacher I know would wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment that independent experts should decide education policy rather than politicians.

“Because of the size and number of changes inflicted upon the education system by Michael Gove when he was Education Secretary, this has been even more acutely felt by education professionals recently than usual.

“An irony that isn’t lost on most headteachers is that education in England is often compared unfavourably by politicians to countries such as Finland, Korea, Sweden, and parts of Canada such as Ontario. Yet the common factor behind these countries' success is stability – politicians aren’t allowed to pursue their individual likes and dislikes, causing huge turmoil in schools after every change of government and constantly undoing the initiatives of the previous incumbent as Education Secretary.

“These countries have stable education policies that evolve over time based on what is learnt from best practice and the experiences of successful people in the profession.

“Whereas, currently, secondary schools in England are forced to implement changes to Key Stage 3, GCSEs and A levels all at once – just because Mr Gove was a man in a hurry.”

Graham Taylor, New College principal and CEO, also agreed with Sir David’s comments and said ministers continually micro-managed the curriculum.

He said: “Whereas Ministers have every right to allocate funds and demand high quality, it baffles me that they should want to micro-manage the curriculum.

“Frankly this shouldn’t be within their remit. All it does is create unnecessary change – why should a minister determine, for example, what to teach in history?

“Examination bodies, university professional standards bodies do that, not politicians. And on the technical and vocational side, it should be employer views that count. Unnecessary change means needless additional work, a lack of comparative standards over time and does the learner no favours.”

But Justin Tomlinson, MP for North Swindon, has defended the existing administration’s policies on education.

He said: “Despite extensive grade inflation we inherited a system where adult numeracy and literacy in the UK was the second worst in the world and were robbing young people of opportunities.

“I will not apologise for our determination to drive up standards, increase funding and give every single child the guidance and skills that gives them that opportunity to succeed.”