Michael Gove

“That's 70% of the outstanding secondary schools in the country and a significant cohort of outstanding primaries.”

“Since I issued my invitation to schools three weeks ago, I have been overwhelmed by the response.”

“626 schools rated as "outstanding", who will be fast‑tracked to have academy status by this autumn.”

“Now this new intake of academies, which will quadruple the existing number, will be the highest achievers.”

“70% of the outstanding secondary schools in the country and a significant cohort of outstanding primaries.”

“More than 1,772 schools had enquired about academy freedoms, he said.”

“These included 870 outstanding schools - 405 secondary schools and more than 400 outstanding primaries.”

“There are there roughly 700 secondary schools in England which have been rated outstanding by schools inspectors Ofsted.”

“Mr Gove wrote to head teachers in every primary, secondary and special school in England last month inviting them to apply for academy status.”

“It says 720 groups have expressed an interest in starting schools - half of them teachers.”

“A threshold of just 40 or 50 parents will be needed for a primary school bid, with more support needed for a secondary school,”

“Mr Gove has also said £50m has been set aside to cover start-up costs for free schools.”

“by nearly £200m”

“More than 1,000 schools in England have shown interest in becoming an academy, says the education secretary.”

“1,114 schools have responded to his letter last week inviting applications for independent status.”

“626 schools rated as "outstanding", who will be fast-tracked to have academy status by this autumn.”

“273 outstanding primary schools set to acquire academy status.”

“52 special schools graded as outstanding and wanting to become academies.”

“which will quadruple the existing number”