Former Prime Minister David Cameron has launched a blistering attack on the Labour government's education reforms, branding them "damaging and nonsensical" in a stark warning to the House of Lords. Writing exclusively for the Daily Telegraph, the Conservative peer urged fellow Lords to vote against the flagship education Bill, which he claims represents a fundamental assault on school freedoms.
A "Spite-Laden Wrecking Ball" to Free Schools
Lord Cameron, who was elevated to the House of Lords in 2023, reserved particular criticism for Labour's decision to cancel dozens of planned free school projects. The free schools programme, originally introduced in 2010 under Cameron's own premiership, allows independent groups to establish state-funded schools operating outside traditional local authority management.
"The Starmer Government's response to all this has been to take a spite-laden wrecking ball to the entire project," Cameron wrote with evident frustration. He detailed the extent of the cancellations, revealing that "the next generation of free schools all budgeted and ready to go have been axed."
Special Schools Hit Hardest
The former Conservative leader highlighted the disproportionate impact on special educational needs provision, noting that "46 projects have been cancelled – 18 of them special schools, with a further 59 vital special and alternative provision projects hanging in the balance."
These cancellations form part of a wider government plan expected to save approximately £600 million. This saving contributes to Labour's £3 billion strategy aimed at creating 50,000 new school places specifically for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Systematic Dismantling of Academy Freedoms
Beyond the free schools controversy, Cameron's critique extends to Labour's proposed changes to academy operations. The education Bill includes several measures that would bring academies into closer alignment with council-run schools, removing certain freedoms they previously enjoyed.
Under the proposed legislation:
- Academies would be required to follow the national curriculum
- They must adhere to the same minimum pay and conditions framework as maintained schools
- New intervention powers would be introduced for trusts failing to meet expected standards
"As for the academies, Labour are systematically dismantling the freedoms that helped them to succeed," Cameron argued. He emphasised that "the freedoms for schools to hire the staff they need, to teach the curriculum that best serves their pupils, and for parents to choose the right school for their child, have been at the heart of cross-party success for years."
The Tory peer concluded with a stark warning: "The Bill reverses all of that. And it is children who will lose out. They are the future, which is why we must halt these damaging and nonsensical plans."
Labour's Accountability Measures
Earlier in January, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson tabled an amendment to the Bill that would implement a previously promised manifesto commitment: allowing Ofsted to inspect multi-academy trusts directly.
These trust-wide inspections would assess:
- How effectively trusts improve their schools
- The quality of education provided
- Resource management efficiency
- Pupil wellbeing standards
Ms Phillipson defended the approach, stating: "Every child, no matter their background, should be able to achieve and thrive, and strong schools working together through high quality trusts help make that possible. That collaboration must be matched by clear, fair accountability. Trust inspection will recognise excellence, support improvement and ensure no child is overlooked, especially those with the greatest needs."
The Department for Education has been approached for further comment regarding Lord Cameron's criticisms and the ongoing parliamentary debate surrounding the education reforms.
