THE National Education Union (NEU) annual conference backed calls today to work with the Green Party to oppose the “disgraceful” Labour government’s academisation plans.

In a white paper published in February, ministers set out proposals to move to “all schools joining or forming high-quality school trusts” and to allow local authorities to set up their own multiacademy trusts.

Delegates discussed a motion today calling on the NEU to ask candidates in the May local elections to publicly oppose any academisation in their local authority area and to support a clear route for academies to return to council control.

Moving the text, Newham delegate Louise Cuffaro said: “We must send the disgraceful Labour government that we have sat around the table with a big message; we will work with any MPs and parties — not Reform obviously — who acknowledge that privatisation and academisation is not the education we want.”

Seconding, Lewisham delegate Eleanor Davies said: “This is an attempt to finish off the neoliberal project of privatisation that began in 1988.

“We know that trusts operate with little meaningful local governance. They are not accountable to the communities they serve.

“We know that leadership pay is indefensible and they are getting upwards of £300,000. 

“[Green Party leader] Zack Polanski made a bold and welcome declaration — we can work with politicians like him. Let’s reverse privatisation.”

Mr Polanski, whose party supports bringing all schools under council control, received a standing ovation when he addressed the NEU earlier this week.

The motion was due to be voted on as the Morning Star went to press.