ASCL responds to shadow education secretary’s speech at Labour conference

Labour shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson spoke at the Labour conference on the education challenges of tomorrow

Commenting on Labour shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson’s speech to the Labour party conference, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“It is encouraging to see Labour’s focus on a modern childcare system, including fully funded breakfast clubs in all primary schools, and investment in providing lifelong skills training. Providing more wraparound support around the school day is particularly important in helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds whose families often struggle with the basics of food and heating and are likely to be badly affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Skills training is an essential part of improving not only the opportunities for individuals but delivering an economy which is fit for the future and where growth is sustainable. It is also important that this emphasis on skills is reflected in a review of the current curriculum and qualifications which are dominated by the current government’s fixation on a diet of traditional academic subjects.

“However, a Labour government would also urgently need to address the shortages of teachers and funding which are the most pressing issues facing schools and colleges. The current government’s record on both issues has been lamentable, and politicians from all parties have to recognise the fact that every educational aspiration and target relies upon having in place the essential resources of enough teachers and money. It is very unlikely that taxing private schools will work as a way of improving state funding to any significant extent because it will drive up school fees and lead to the closure of small independent schools, displacing many children into the state education system with the associated cost.

“Nevertheless, we are pleased with Labour’s general direction of travel and we look forward to working with the party’s education team over the coming weeks and months.”