51ºÚÁÏ

So much of the tension between parents and schools stems from mismatched expectations.

Parents may assume a school will operate one way, while the school envisions something entirely different.

But what if we introduced binding, multi-layered contracts - not just for parents and schools, but also involving pupils, local authorities and even the Department for Education?

Could such an approach create greater equity, clarity and accountability across the education system?

Schools’ commitment to parents

As an example, a school would make a commitment to provide an inclusive, well-rounded education that meets personal and social needs, not just academic progress.

This might include a commitment to specialist teaching wherever possible, a broad curriculum with vocational and leadership opportunities and a clear stance on disciplinary measures.

The contract could also outline expectations for attendance, behaviour, support for learning and even the amount of homework.

This would allow parents and their children to distinguish between schools based on what is a priority for them, such as whether they prefer a more academic-focused school or one with a stronger emphasis on sports or the arts.

Parental and pupil responsibilities

Parents and carers, in turn, would agree to ensure their child/children’s regular attendance, support positive behaviour and engage with school communications.

Pupils would agree to participate fully, respect staff and peers and make the most of the opportunities offered.

Finally, the school would promise to maintain high inclusion standards and provide a supportive environment that helps every child achieve their potential.

Clear expectations

The key here is equity. If a school sets expectations for families, it should hold itself to equivalent standards.

A school that asks for respect, effort and engagement from pupils should guarantee those same principles in return - delivering a high-quality education, treating every child as an individual and never giving up on them.

A standardised contract framework, signed by all parties and updated annually, would offer clarity and transparency.

It would help parents understand exactly what they are signing up for when choosing a school, just like when searching and applying for a new job or buying a house.

It wouldn’t erase school individuality, but it would set non-negotiable minimum expectations, allowing families to make clear, informed decisions.

Protected provision

A contract could help protect school leaders from unreasonable demands, ensuring parent complaints are more focused.

Instead of being bombarded with disconnected grievances, issues would centre on whether the school delivered on its agreed promises.

For pupils, the contract could provide reassurance by outlining the support they can expect and ensuring that their education continues smoothly with clear access to the resources and assistance they need to thrive.

A balance to strike

Of course, this idea isn’t without risks.

There’s a danger that contracts could be weaponised. Parents might seize on small breaches, leading to an uptick in complaints.

School leaders would need to strike a balance between ambitious promises and realistic delivery, especially given external factors like staff shortages.

Additionally, there’s the possibility that such a system might create more bureaucracy, turning contracts into tick-box exercises rather than genuine commitments.

But the principle of clear, mutual accountability is worth exploring.

Chance for a new approach

For school leaders, this is an opportunity to rethink how expectations are communicated and build trust with families and communities. The ultimate goal would be to remove the guesswork from education.

Families wouldn’t walk through the school gates unsure of what they were getting.

Schools wouldn’t fear parents misunderstanding or misjudging their ethos.

And, crucially, no child would fall through the cracks because the system lacked clarity, consistency or courage.

We certainly need clearer expectations, fairer accountability and an unwavering commitment to inclusion. If contracts push us closer to that reality, perhaps they’re an idea worth exploring after all.

Michael McCarthy is CEO of Consilium Academies