A GOVERNMENT u-turn on plans to force all state schools to become academies has been praised by Somerset County Council.

As reported in the Mercury, Chancellor George Osborne unveiled plans to force all state schools in England academies by 2022, taking them out of control of local authorities.

The plans were met with fierce criticism across the country, with Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for children and families at Somerset County Council, branding the plans “deplorable” in a letter to Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan.

Now, the Department for Education has said that minister listened to the feedback to the plans, and that local authorities could now choose whether or not schools under their control should become academies.

Speaking after the announcement, Cllr Nicholson said: ““Until we understand exactly what is in the new proposals I can’t go into too much detail.

“However, we are very pleased with the Secretary of State’s decision and welcome the choice this gives back to all schools.

“It’s important that policy makers listen.

“They asked for comment, people responded and they seem to have taken that on board and that is how it should be.

“We will continue to work with all of our schools to support strong partnership working that enables all children to fulfil their potential.”

Ministers still hope that a large number of schools will choose to convert to academies, but the plan is now an "aspiration" rather than a compulsory policy, the Department for Education said.

Officials also stressed the Government was still committed to seeing all schools becoming academies, but new laws forcing the "blanket conversion" of all schools will no longer be necessary.

Speaking after the announcement of the policy u-turn, Mrs Morgan said: " Making every school an academy is the best way to ensure every child, regardless of birth or background, has access to a world-class education.

"I am today reaffirming our determination to see all schools become academies. However, having listened to the feedback from Parliamentary colleagues and the education sector we will now change the path to reaching that goal.

"By focusing our efforts on those schools most at risk of failing young people, and encouraging 'good' and 'outstanding' schools to seize the opportunities of conversion, we will ensure the continued growth of the academy programme, empowering frontline heads and school leads, and transforming even more children's education."