Security, cohesion, integration, solidarity: all are intangible. But we pay – literally – to gain them. Why single out self-government?
Behind most disorder is the idea of anxiety. A great deal of that is caused by a feeling that the pupil can’t do their work.
Artificial restrictions have created huge competitive pressure on places, but lowering standards is not the answer.
This is a welcome trend. School standards have improved. But parents are to be commended for taking charge, when let down by “the system”.
Does the National Education Union want teenagers to count on their fingers? That’s the consequence if one severs mathematics education from its base in arithmetic.
England achieved its highest ever score in reading in 2016, moving from joint 10th to joint 8th in the PIRLS rankings.
Rather than obsess about lack of aspiration, it is the lack of social capital that we should be focusing on.
There is no evidence of funding cuts reducing school standards. But Ofsted does need enough staff to thoroughly assess the performance of classroom teachers.
The Chancellor has been fortunate that the public finances have improved substantially at a particularly convenient time.
It has secured an overwhelming dominance. Until or unless this changes, the Right may win elections – but to limited effect.
“Now we have reached a defining moment on this, long, hard journey. Opening a new chapter in our country’s economic history.”
When support is provided, the quality is often so poor that the pupil would be better off without it. Often the work is done for the pupil, preventing learning from taking place.
I was glad to see the Prime Minister and the Education Secretary doing so recently – particularly now that Rayner is clear she will scrap the programme.
Great effort goes to attract the best school-leavers. If only the same energy went into ensuring that their graduate alumni are actually prepared for the world of work.
Remainers and Brexiteers alike must recognise the politicians are stuck in an ever-decreasing circle of fervour, hyperbole and hysteria.