Educational Reform

You probably didn’t see this. The House of Lords has produced a report calling for an urgent overhaul of secondary education in England. Our system is too focussed on academic learning and written exams, and pupils need the chance to experience more practical, applied forms of learning. This isn’t totally unexpected; it echoes what’s been said for years by school leaders, academics and teacher unions.

But we’re England, so we do things differently. Other countries are astonished that we have allowed one opinionated individual without any professional qualification (you’ve got it - Michael Gove) to determine the character of English education for over a decade. This has always been a disaster, but with the shattering impacts of Covid and spending cuts, putting it right is even more urgent than it was.

Should we expect radical transformation from a Starmer government? Don’t hold your breath.