It remains unclear whether large numbers of schools in Oxfordshire will seek academy status as they are being encouraged to do by the new coalition Government.

There is obvious interest from a number of schools but little sign of any decisiveness about whether to seek independence from local authority control.

This is unsurprising given the lack of information about the Government’s intentions at this early stage.

It will be a concern at County Hall. Being a Tory-run council, its politicians are giving some encouragement to local schools and there are moves to get Whitehall to provide a little more information.

One of the key changes experienced by academy schools is an increase in cash. It is the cash that would normally go to County Hall to support that particular school’s share of central costs.

We already have a small number of academies in Oxfordshire and, while there is an impact on the finances of the county council, it is proportionately small.

A large number of schools successfully seeking academy status would be a different matter.

Could Oxfordshire County Council continue to function as a local education authority if 20, 40 or 60 per cent of schools became academies?

There will be a tipping point at which it becomes difficult for the council’s education department to operate. Indeed, it may find itself competing with private sector outfits able to provide services across county boundaries and with a greater economy of scale.

For these reasons, the county council is seeking clarification from Ministers about funding for its statutory duties in supporting local schools.

There are also fears among some schools that in selfishly seeking academy status for themselves they may be damaging other schools in the local community.

For a school, however, the first duty has to be to its own community.

With the right level of support from parents, governors and partners in the local community, schools may feel that independence can improve perfomance and raise achievement among their pupils.

If that is the case, then they should pursue that end fearlessly. In most other walks of life — whether it be private enterprise, sport, community groups or charities — it is the desire to be the best, and selfishly so, that drives excellence.

We want to see all of our schools strive for that excellence. If schools feel it is right for them to strike out on their own, then we should support them.