David Wolfe

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Fiona Millar: Academies diminish the rights of SEN children

One reason why I have always opposed the idea of "independent" state schools is because the rights of pupils , parents and teachers are not the same as those enjoyed by the same groups in the maintained sector ( parents and governors in converting schools take note). This story in today's Guardian points to how that is starting to effect some ... read more and comment →

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Latest comment by Rosie Fergusson: "Recent answer from Nick gibb re sen appeals....I haven't noticed the clause he claims to exist in post 2010 Academy Funding agreements....and I believe the Admissions code allows the Academy the right to refuse being named so he's wrong in ......"

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Fiona Millar: First free school funding agreements made public

David Wolfe, of Matrix Chambers, and the founder of  A Can of Worms - a website devoted to academies, free schools and the law - has asked the first 24 free school providers, under the Freedom of Information Act, if he can have copies of their Funding Agreements. ARK has released  Funding Agreements  for its two free schools, although both ... read more and comment →

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Latest comment by Allan Beavis: "It's commendable that St Luke's has voluntarily handed over it's funding agreement for public scrutiny but then they seem to have gone about their business without trumpeting their every move from inspiration to opening day in the media and without ......"

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Fiona Millar: Free schools able to opt out of the Admissions Code

I am grateful to David Wolfe, a barrister at Matrix Chambers, for pointing out that free schools appear to have special freedoms to exempt themselves from the Code of Practice on School Admissions. David has spent much of the last decade examining and challenging the legal basis for academies and free schools. His website A Can of Worms is a ... read more and comment →

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Latest comment by Rosie Fergusson: "My interpretation of one aspect of the draft admissions code is to serve the failed independent schools being rescued and reborn as a free school . Where the school operated aptitude testing when independent they will be allowed to continue ......"

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Fiona Millar: Some legal advice from a top barrister on challenging academy conversions

Some months ago I posted a legal opinion about the Academies Bill on my website . It was written by  David Wolfe , a barrister from Matrix Chambers, who has been involved in many cases on behalf of parents concerned about their schools changing status. Following the news that parent campaigners at Tidemill Primary School in South London had successfully ... read more and comment →

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Latest comment by Sarah Dodds: "Gareth - how can they make a good and informed choice unless they are clear about these issues? There are many metaphors that we could use.....how about choosing a holiday without knowing how to best get there????? How will ......"

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