Commentary Part 1: School Inspections and Other Inspections by School Inspectors Chapter 5 – Schools Causing Concern Section 45: Cases where Secretary of State or Assembly may direct closure of school
86.This section amends section 19 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, as amended by section 56 of the Education Act 2002; the amendment curtails the power of the Secretary of State or the Assembly to direct a local education authority to close a school which is causing concern. At present the Secretary of State or the Assembly has such power in relation to schools which require special measures or have serious weaknesses. In future, this power will apply only in relation to a school which is placed in special measures.