Party conferences: A round-up of the latest education policies and what they might mean for the sector
There ain’t no party like a political conference party. Over the past three weeks, we’ve had the pleasure (is that the right word?) of hearing about all the ways in which the UK political parties plan to improve (again, is that the right word?) our education system.
You tell us.
Many things were discussed, but there was just one question on our minds at the end of each statement:: how is this going to benefit North East schools in particular?
We’re constantly asking this question – throughout party conference season and beyond – because, if we don’t, then who will?
Let’s look at some of the key policies that were explored by the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrats parties. Try not to roll your eyes too much…
Conservative party policies
Many of us will be more than familiar with the term ‘British Baccalaureate’ by now.
Last week, the Conservative party conference once again discussed the idea of significantly reforming A-Levels by introducing the ‘British Baccalaureate’; a system that would require pupils to study a wider range of subjects at post-16 level, as well as make maths and English compulsory subjects until age 18.
While talk of a “British Baccalaureate’ is by no means new, the general consensus seems to be that such an idea in 2023/2024 is ill-timed, too vague, inappropriate, and improperly thought out, at a time when schools desperately need a period of stability.
A response from ASCL (the Association of School and College Leaders) included this statement: “There has been no discussion with the education sector about this idea and without any detail of what is being proposed it is a policy which is largely meaningless.”
Less significant but still worth exploring was the news around banning mobile phones in schools as per the Education Secretary Gillian Keegan’s announcement.
The Department for Education has agreed to back Head Teachers in an attempt to tackle online bullying, disruptive behaviour, and poor concentration in classes.
Labour party
The subject of “real-world maths” was discussed at the Labour party’s major conference, which took place this week.
Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson told the conference there was a “chronic cultural problem with maths”, and said that Labour would make sure it was “better taught at six, never mind 16.”
The teaching of “real-world maths” would include how to budget finances, and understanding currency exchange rates and food recipes. A number of teachers’ unions put a thumbs up to this idea. However, like ‘maths to 18’, where will all the extra capacity and staff come from? Recruitment is now reaching a critical level in the region, as is retention. Expecting more from the system is unrealistic.
Although it had already been announced prior to the conference, Labour’s promise to add VAT to private school fees (if it wins the next general election) was once again discussed in Liverpool this week.
Labour estimates this could raise £1.7bn to invest in state schools, and they have no plan to “phase in” this change, either. Instead, we could see this change take place as soon as the first academic year after the election (which is due to take place by the end of 2024). However, these figures have been disputed. The EDSK think tank earlier this year estimated that imposing VAT on fees would only raise £1bn, with some estimates even lower.
Liberal Democrats
After stating that the Conservative party has “consistently let down children, parents, and teachers”, the Liberal Democrats passed a new policy during the week of their conference (23 – 26 September).
The policy included eight broad statements which the party believes will demonstrate their commitment to giving our children a great start. The list included:
- Increasing funding for schools
- Extending free school meals
- Dedicated mental health support
- Supporting our teachers
- A modern curriculum
- Reforming ofsted inspections
- Enriching extra-curricular activities
- Keeping parents informed
It certainly addresses many of the current pain points we’re feeling in the education sector right now, but are they sustainable claims? At what cost? Where’s the small print? Analysis by Schools Week found that these policies are likely to cost over £9bn, and no one knows as of yet where this money will be coming from.
If this pot of gold is actually found at the end of the rainbow, will it really be spent on education, when healthcare is the priority? Time will tell.
Bring on the next general election!
The North East will be particularly important at the next election as, unlike in elections prior to 2019, there may be a number of constituencies changing party.
As such, political parties need to seriously consider the challenges schools in our region face.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “It’s all well and good discussing no mobile phones in class, and new curricula, but this means absolutely nothing if the class is in a crumbling school and there are no teachers to teach the new curricula.
“We need practical, meaningful, long-term solutions that finally address the issues our region has been shouting about for what seems like forever! Especially the impact of long term deprivation on our schools and communities.
“Recruitment and retention, lack of capacity in SEND, condition of school buildings, and the seemingly endless issues of disadvantage which have been exacerbated by the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. These are the hurdles we must overcome first.”
There were some fantastic things discussed throughout the party conference season, but it’s not unreasonable to want the immediate issues dealt with before we begin fixing the things that aren’t even necessarily broken.
We should walk before we run, right?
