Promises of Fixes for Education

A new government, elected on promises of fixes for education, fairness and greater opportunity for all.

At the forefront of the ‘Big 5 Must Do Now’ promises was education. The leveling up of facilities to enable state schools to compete with the independent sector, with the big promise of 6500 new teachers to be hired to fill the current dearth affecting state education.

But will it happen?

To fund much of this, it was announced that VAT would be charged on private education as well as other additional costs such as business rates to further increase fees and overheads. 

The promise was £1.5Bn to fund a raft of changes and improvements, supported by a report by the IFS suggesting £1.3 to £1.5Bn could be raised through what some would say are rather punitive and more than a little spiteful changes.

The questions that remain are several:

Will this money materialise in anything like the suggested amount or even at all?

If legal challenges to the VAT changes are successful, what is the Plan B for the state funds?

Where are the 6500 teachers coming from?

Are they going to be newly qualified teachers?

Mature with work and life experience or straight out of the education system?

Does this take into account the vast numbers of teachers leaving or retiring from the profession?

Over the last 2 years, approximately 40,000 teachers have joined the ranks, which seem to largely be replacing those exiting, also at around 40,000 (in England). You can see the official report here

The obvious question then is how will the government conjure up this additional 6500 teachers (which represents only 1% of the teacher workforce) and even if achieved, will it outpace the outgoing headcount?

A bigger challenge for parents is that it’s all well and good identifying the gaps, issues and promises of fixes for education, but what happens to your children’s school experience in the meantime? 

Is it simply a case of keep calm and carry on? 

In my experience, an increasing number of parents are taking matters into their own hands. While they may not be able to make the jump to independent schooling for financial, ideological or logistical  reasons, many see that 3rd party (private) tuition is the answer to fill educational gaps.

A great many state schools do a stellar job of supporting the majority of pupils who are willing to learn, while some face real challenges delivering to expected levels.

I am seeing an increasing number of parents fill the gaps through supplementary education such as my courses that run throughout the year.

This represents a sound and tactical option that is both focused and affordable, with only a half-termly commitment.

If you would like to know more about how I can support your child to maximise their potential, or to catch up to where you believe they should be, contact me by WhatsApp or email me at [email protected].

Muhammad.