Nigel Gann explains how English schools provided by local councils and embedded in communities were grabbed by an authoritarian government and handed to billionaire business owners. Administrators and academics with knowledge and understanding built up over decades were replaced by a new ‘educational establishment’ of hedge-fund investors and political cronies. Utilising the ‘seven deadly sins’ of corporatised schools, a new ‘blob’ turned a public good into a milch cow for privately-educated politicians and their mates. Then they abandoned Europe and exploited a world-wide killer disease to corner the market in government contracts. But Gann offers a way forward.

"Nigel Gann's analysis should be read by anyone who is interested in the reality of how control of our schools has become much less democratic. The account of this experienced school governor and teacher makes compulsive reading."

Warwick Mansell, writer/editor of the website Education Uncovered.

“The book is an excellent read . . . I recommend it to all those involved in the school system in England – you will gain new and important insights.”

Chris James, Emeritus Professor of Educational Leadership and Management, Department of Education, University of Bath

“Nigel Gann offers an impassioned rejection of the celebrated gains of ‘academisation’ in the English education system and communicates a new vision of education, with public trust, transparency and localism at its core.” Dr Andrew Wilkins, Goldsmiths, University of London

“A fascinating read into the world of education through the lens of the forced academisation of a rural primary school.”  Raj Unsworth, chair of governors, special advisor to Headteachers Roundtable