In only one aspect of the British education system do we remain world leaders: the independent sector. Until now, that sector has managed to resist most of the malign influences of dumbing down, progressive education and grade inflation. By responding to parental choice, encouraging achievement and expecting the best for their pupils, independent schools have demonstrated that (as everyone on CentreRight understands) freedom from government intervention leads to the best outcomes
But if the Charity Commission has its way, with the draft guidelines (published today and reviewed in the Telegraph), such freedom will end. Tories may be nervous about defending the private sector lest they be accused of elitism. But we should be in no doubt that penalising success is no way to remedy failure.
