The publication of the White Paper Educational Excellence Everywhere has sparked much debate among leaders, professionals, parents and members of the public.

Discussions have largely focused on the Government's plans to force all schools to become, or be in the process of becoming, academies by 2022. However, on the 6 May 2016 the secretary of state announced that she would not now seek to legislate to compel all schools to convert to academy status. This news was welcomed by the Association of Directors of Childrens Services (ADCS) along with many in the education sector and beyond.