Jo congratulates three Orpington schools recently given granted academy status by Education Secretary, Michael Gove.

"I am delighted that Darrick Wood, Green Street Green and Biggin Hill Primary have been awarded academy status. This is just the sort of fillip our communities deserve.  

"Currently there are more than 800 academy schools in England; a four fold increase since the General Election. Academy status gives greater autonomy to teachers and more say to parents in their children's education.

"One size fits all education just doesn't cut it, so I welcome the opportunity this gives to raise standards and adapt teaching to meet individual pupil needs."

To find out more about academy status visit the Department for Education website