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Office of the Schools Commissioner
The Office of the Schools Commissioner (OSC) was formed in September 2006, having its role laid out in the White Paper Higher Standards, Better Schools for All.
Much of the work of the OSC involves identifying underperforming schools and challenging LAs to replace failing schools with new models. Invariably, the OSC will work closely with schools participating in the National Challenge and the local authorities responsible for them.
Once an underperforming school is identified, the OSC brokers the establishment of a structural solution. This is often agreeing to replace the school with an academy but can sometimes be a federation, trust or National Challenge Trust if they are deemed more suitable.
The OSC also acts as an advisor and an enabler, offering help to LAs on the development and enhancement of their school commissioning role through opportunities provided by the DCSF to improve schools including through:
- Building Schools for the Future
- the National Challenge programme
- collaboration with other schools through trusts
- partnerships between schools to commission in their own right
- collaboration with other services, including the third sector
- competitions for new schools
- new models of schools, e.g. studio schools.
Four key themes run throughout the work of the OSC:
- Promoting choice and diversity
The OSC challenges LAs to provide a diverse range of schools to match the needs of their local area and to tackle poorly performing schools. For this, the OSC develops academy proposals and attracts potential partners for trust schools, looking to develop successful schools tailored to the needs of every child.
- Championing fair access
The School Admissions Code, first introduced in September 2008, ensures that the admissions system is fair, clear and easy to understand for all.
- Parental involvement, choice and satisfaction
The OSC promotes the greater involvement of parents in the school system by encouraging local authorities to take account of parents’ views and by specifically supporting parent promoter groups.
- Local authority commissioning role
The OSC helps local authorities to develop their role as strategic commissioners of schools. This role empowers them to challenge poorly performing schools more effectively, plan for the long term and be more responsive to parental wishes.
Please note – the remainder of the OSC website is currently being updated and will be available very soon. If you have any enquiries about the work of the OSC please email mark1.wheeler@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk or phone 0207 340 8182.
