Why Didn’t We Leverage Our Track Record in Education During the General Election 2024?
Why Didn't We Leverage Our Track Record in Education During the General Election?
Author: Stephen James. Published: 15th Aug 2024
Education policy has been one of the Conservative Party's greatest successes over the last 14 years, yet we have not celebrated these achievements enough. This oversight is puzzling, given that our educational reforms are fundamental to conservative values. By providing a world-class education for every child and fostering a society built on knowledge and critical thinking, we have made significant strides. So, why did we fail to highlight these successes in the recent General Election?
Celebrating Our Achievements in Education
Our education policy consistently demonstrates our commitment to raising standards and improving outcomes for students across the country. These achievements align perfectly with the Conservative ethos of empowering individuals through knowledge and opportunity. Despite this, our campaign seemed to overlook this critical area. Let's delve into the key areas where we have excelled and explore why these successes were not front and centre in our election strategy.
Improvement in International Rankings
The Conservative approach has led to significant improvements in England's international education rankings. Under our policies, England's performance in the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has seen a notable rise. For instance, England now ranks 11th in the world for maths, up from 27th in 2009, and has also shown strong performance in reading and science. This is a testament to our effective policies and should have been a major talking point in our campaign.
Promotion of Phonics
Nick Gibb's advocacy for phonics has markedly improved reading standards among English schoolchildren. This method has helped England achieve high rankings in international literacy assessments, with English children rated as the best in the West for literacy. The promotion of phonics is a clear example of how Conservative policies have directly benefited students, yet it received little attention during our election push.
Academisation and School Autonomy
We have expanded the academies programme, allowing schools to gain independence from local authority control. This move has given schools more autonomy over their decision-making, which has been instrumental in improving educational outcomes and fostering innovation in the education sector. The success of academisation is a powerful narrative of Conservative-led improvement in education, but it was underutilised in our messaging.
Emphasis on Academic Rigour and Knowledge-Rich Curriculum
Reforms to the national curriculum have focused on learning facts over skills and project-based work, alongside the introduction of tougher GCSE exams. These changes have helped to raise academic standards and ensure that students receive a more robust and rigorous education. This emphasis on academic rigour should have been highlighted as a cornerstone of our commitment to high educational standards.
Increase in Good or Outstanding School Ratings
Since 2010, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of state-funded schools in England rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted, rising from 68% to 90%. This improvement reflects the overall enhancement in school quality and management under Conservative policies. Highlighting this success could have reassured voters of our effectiveness in managing and improving the education system.
Creation of Maths Hubs
We have established 40 maths hubs across England to raise standards in maths teaching. This initiative aims to improve maths skills from an early age, ensuring that students develop a strong foundation in this critical subject. These hubs provide specialised training and resources for teachers, contributing to England's improved international rankings in maths. The success of these maths hubs is another clear indicator of our impactful policies.
Focus on Skills and Apprenticeships
We have placed a strong emphasis on vocational education and skills development. Initiatives such as the introduction and expansion of apprenticeships have provided valuable pathways for students who prefer practical, hands-on learning experiences over traditional academic routes. This focus on skills and apprenticeships has helped to address the skills gap in the workforce, providing young people with the tools and opportunities needed for successful careers in various industries. Emphasising these efforts could have resonated with voters concerned about job readiness and economic opportunities for the youth.
Missed Opportunities and the Path Forward
In reflecting on our campaign strategy, it is clear that we missed an opportunity to leverage our strong track record in education. These achievements not only exemplify our values but also provide tangible proof of our ability to deliver positive change. Moving forward, we must ensure that our successes in education are celebrated and communicated effectively. By doing so, we can rebuild trust with the electorate and reinforce our commitment to providing a world-class education for every child.
Education is a powerful tool for social progress and individual empowerment. As Conservatives, we must not shy away from celebrating our accomplishments in this vital area. Let's ensure that our future campaigns highlight these successes, demonstrating our dedication to fostering a knowledgeable and critically thinking society.
The Author: Stephen James
Stephen James is an Award-Winning Teacher, Specialist Leader of Education, Conservative Friends of Education Founder and Folkestone & Hythe Conservative Association Chairman.