Tristram Hunt MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, responding to reports that the “dysfunctional” Al Madinah Free School has failed to improve and resolve fundamental problems since it was judged to be “inadequate” by Ofsted this year and the recruitment of two ‘unqualified maths teachers’ at South Leeds Academy, said:
 
“This is shocking evidence of the damage David Cameron has brought on school standards and proof that he is letting our children down. Underperforming schools desperately need great teachers and teaching but this out of touch Prime Minister is allowing them to recruit unqualified teachers.
 
“David Cameron only stands up for a privileged few and is failing to deliver for all children. While Labour will end this scandal and ensure all teachers become qualified, this Tory Government is damaging standards by allowing unqualified teachers into our children’s classrooms.
 
“As we can see from the evidence of the failings at the Prime Minister’s flagship Al-Madinah and Discovery Free Schools, his changes are harming standards. He and his Education Secretary Michael Gove are refusing to take action to address the fundamental flaws in their schools policy that allows unqualified teachers in classrooms on a permanent basis; a lack of transparency; and a complete failure of oversight.”