Education policy must move beyond political football

Commenting on Labour Shadow Education Minister Stephen Twigg’s announcement today on setting up an Office For Educational Improvement, ASCL General Secretary Brian Lightman said:

“ASCL has long advocated an independent body for education, equivalent to the Chief Medical Officer, which would provide a neutral, expert, policy-based perspective in the development of education policy.  We are pleased that Stephen Twigg has recognised the value of this and has adopted it as Labour education policy. This is an excellent step towards making policy which is based on sound evidence rather than anecdotal experience or party politics. However, ASCL wants to see it taken a step further.

“For too long education policy has been a political football used by politicians on all sides, with the result that schools and colleges are continually criticised for not doing enough, rather than recognised for the vast improvements made.  To create a world class education system, what is needed is a long-term commitment from politicians on all sides to a common education strategy.

“Politicians from all parties need to discuss the evidence from academics and professionals, identify the fundamental factors that make a successful education system and agree to support key policies which give stability over the long term. This would guard against the upheaval and chaos that pupils, parents and teachers have experienced in the last 18 months, and ensure that young people’s education remains at the centre of policy.”

21 February 2012