SURREY County Council Leader David Hodge has welcomed the Government’s climbdown on plans to force all of England’s schools to become academies.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan hoped the concessions made would meet the demands of Tory rebels opposed to compelling high-performing schools to convert.

The move also came days after threats of industrial action by head teachers.

Following the Secretary of State’s announcement on academies Mr Hodge said: “We’re very pleased the Secretary of State has listened to feedback from councils on the Government’s proposals and I look forward to continuing the work we have started with her to get the final policy right so that our children get the best education possible.

“Surrey has some of the best state schools in the country – 92 per cent are currently rated good or outstanding by Ofsted – and a quarter of them are academies. We support academies where they will improve education for our young people but it is vital local choice remains.”