Frosty reception for Nicky Morgan at NAHT conference

Head teachers voiced their discontent for educational changes during the Education Secretary’s speech

Nicky Morgan touched on a range of issues at the NAHT annual conference in Birmingham, including turning all schools into academies and assessment. However, she was met by angry responses from school leaders in the audience who shouted “rubbish” and “you’re not listening”.

In a question-and-answer session after her speech, Nicky Morgan was asked if she would alter the wording of the new English assessment so that children with learning difficulties would not be deemed to have failed.

Simon Kidwell, from Hartford Manor Primary School in Cheshire, asked her to allow teachers to "make a judgement that reflects a child’s true ability" and base their assessment on "best fit".

However, Mrs Morgan refused to consider a review, to which Simon Kidwell asked: "Are you in charge of the department or is it Nick Gibb?"

Nicky Morgan replied angrily: "I am not going to dignify that sexist question with a response."

Her response provoked a loud groans from the audience.

Past NAHT president Tony Draper wrote on Twitter: “Much anger that Nicky Morgan hid behind a ‘sexist’ comment that every delegate clearly knows was not – inadequate judgement Nicky.”

Russell Hobby, general secretary of the NAHT, said afterwards: “I don’t think that was a sexist comment.

“It was a concern around who was making different decisions on that front.

“People are frustrated that they are saying their concerns and they don’t feel that they are being listened to.

“So they wonder who they need to go and speak to.”