Unions have welcomed news that the contentious Education Bill is to be ditched.

Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson made the announcement in the House of Keys this week.

He said: ’I believe we can and must do better.

’It is my intention to withdraw the Education Bill and give teachers, officers and our community the chance to regroup and reflect on the journey we have made together over the last year, and seize the opportunities it has presented together.’

Rob Kelsall, national secretary for school leaders’ union NAHT, said: ’We welcome the decision to withdraw the Bill.

’The failure of the previous administration to work collegiately with head teachers, parents and other stakeholders was its ultimate downfall.

’The Bill was forged in another time when confrontation not collaboration, was the order of the day.’

The Education Bill was designed to replace the current Education Act 2001 and deliver an education system that is fit for the future, addressing a number of key issues.

These included the regulation of home education and catchment areas, the inappropriate use of social media, and school and pre-school inspections and tribunals.

Some of the main issues within the existing Act, including school inspections and student behaviour, will be addressed in the interim through secondary legislation.

Richard Tanton, member support director at the Association of School and College Leaders, said: ’We have had serious reservations about the content of the draft Education Bill ever since the consultation began.

’Although we recognise the substantial progress that has been made in recent months we believe the Bill was fundamentally flawed.

’We applaud the Minister’s strong decision to call a halt and to take time to reassess and reconfigure the future of education on the Isle of Man, working hand-in-hand with the school leaders and teachers. We remain fully committed to working with the Minister and DESC to shaping a culture built on a collaborative and inclusive basis.’