Local authority support for schools not becoming academies will continue in Cornwall, says the county council. The Department for Education has indicated that good or outstanding schools within strong local authorities may not have to change their status. The modification of an earlier statement that ‘all schools will have to become academies by 2022’ came after a backlash from teacher and headteacher unions, parents and governors, and MPs’ disquiet. In Cornwall, most schools have either already converted to academy status or have begun the process of changing. Of the county’s 237 schools, 124 are already academies, with a further 82 on the path to converting. Cornwall Council’s Education Department says it will continue to support its mainstream schools. Portfolio-holder for young people Cllr Andrew Wallis said: ‘We welcome the Government’s decision to drop its plans to force all schools to become academies. ‘We are awaiting publication of the Government’s amended legislation but, in the meantime, our Learning and Achievement Service has taken steps to ensure that, through an enhanced commissioning model, those schools that require support for school improvement will continue to receive it.’