Posted on Sunday 24th Apr 2016
There is a risk plans to turn all state schools in England into academies will not raise school standards, a group representing 37 largely Conservative local authorities has warned.
Councillor Paul Carter, from the County Councils Network, said the government was pursuing change with "undue haste".
Under draft government plans, all state schools in England will have to leave the oversight of councils by 2022.
A Department for Education spokesman said the concerns were "misplaced".
The evidence around academies is mixed, with most experts agreeing there is no conclusive proof the model is the single best way to improve education.
Councillor Carter is chairman of the County Councils Network and also leader of Kent County Council and a governor of a multi-academy trust.
He told the BBC: "My concern is that the change will lead to a poorer education system operating across Kent, and more broadly England, because the value that local authorities generally provide to schools will be removed."
Latest News
11/12/20Covid-19 tests for secondary school pupils in parts of London, Kent and Essex
Mass testing will be rolled out to secondary school children in the worst-affected areas of London, Kent and Essex, the health secretary has said.
10/12/20Covid: Schools in England can close for Christmas a day early
Schools in England will be allowed to close a day early for Christmas to give teachers "a proper break" from identifying potential Covid-19 cases.
03/12/20Top teacher wins $1m and gives half away
A teacher from a village school in India, praised for improving the education of girls, has won this year's Global Teacher Prize.
30/11/20Will schools shut a week early this Christmas term over fears of Covid-19 isolating?
Will schools shut a week early this Christmas term over fears of Covid-19 isolating? Kent head teachers have their say
13/10/20Students to be given more time to prepare for 2021 exams
Exams will go ahead next summer, underpinned by contingencies for all possible scenarios.