Pupils get say on running of flagship academies

TEENAGERS are to be given unprecedented influence over the future of the Government's flagship academies.

Schools run by London's biggest academy sponsor, Carpetright founder Lord Harris, are setting up a commission of 50 pupils who will conduct an inquiry into how the academies should be run.

The project will take pupils to Sweden and the US to investigate similar school systems. Children will also take evidence from experts in Britain.

The group will try to identify how subjects can be taught more effectively, as well as the best ways to get parents more involved with their education.

Sharon Uwaibi, 14, a pupil at Harris Academy Falconwood who will take part in the scheme, said: "This gives us the chance to have a real say."

Dan Moynihan, chief executive of the Harris Federation, said the commission would raise the aspirations of pupils.

The seven Harris Federation academies serve some of the toughest areas of London, with three in Southwark.

The schools are committed to employing the latest teaching techniques, including giving pupils a bigger say.

Ministers have encouraged schools across England to develop student councils and a growing number are allowing their pupils to interview teachers applying for jobs.