Responding to the news that the government has decided to remove large parts of the Schools Bill, after its controversial start in the House of Lords, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:

"We welcome the news that the government will be making significant changes to the Schools Bill. We have been clear that, in its current state, the Bill gave government powers to direct and influence schools in a way that was simply unacceptable. It is positive that government has listened and responded to these widespread concerns.

"What is now important is that the government engages with the whole sector to ensure the revisions are workable, proportionate and appropriate."