Power to Innovate (PtI)

The Power to Innovate is now handled by the DCSF. Bookmark their site (URL below) and find out the latest.

www.teachernet.gov.uk/management/pti/

History of the Power to Innovate 

The Innovation Unit advised on the Power to Innovate from 2003-2008. It allows the Secretary of State for the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) to suspend or modify education legislation that may be holding back, or even stopping, innovative approaches to raising standards.

Schools, colleges of further education, local authorities or Trusts (acting on behalf of Trust schools) may apply for a time-limited order to allow the testing of an innovative idea that has the potential to improve outcomes for pupils and students. 

There are no preconceptions about the kind of ideas that could be supported. Since introduction in 2002, the Power has been used in a diverse range of innovative projects - from testing 'virtual' governance, to allowing a group of schools to introduce a Transitional Sixth Form for those pupils unlikely to be in education, training or employment after completing Year 11. Power to Innovate enquiries have also prompted changes to general legislation, for example enabling schools to offer HE foundation modules.

Read about some of the projects given the Power to Innovate here.

top