Bridget Phillipson Sets Ambitious Goals for Education Reform in First Address as Education Secretary
In her inaugural letter to education sector staff, newly appointed Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the need for a comprehensive reset and revitalization of the relationship with educators across all levels, from early years to higher education.
Phillipson outlined key initiatives, including the ambitious recruitment of 6,500 new teachers, marking the start of her tenure. The Department for Education (DfE) announced the immediate relaunch and expansion of the teacher recruitment campaign “Every Lesson Shapes a Life,” directing potential candidates to the Get Into Teaching website for support and guidance.
Acknowledging the complexities facing the sector, Phillipson stressed that there are no quick-fix solutions to the challenges at hand, pledging to engage with union leaders and education stakeholders in the coming days to address pressing issues.
Labour’s commitment to funding new teaching positions through tax increases on private school fees, as outlined in their manifesto, has sparked debate. While some view it as a necessary measure to bolster public education funding, others criticize it as an unfair burden on parents.
Phillipson, who expressed a personal commitment to education reform, highlighted her upbringing and the transformative impact of her own schooling experience. She aims to elevate the status of teaching and restore its prominence in national life.
Teaching unions, welcoming Phillipson’s outreach, stressed the urgency of addressing challenges such as teacher workload, pay offers for the upcoming year, and the crisis in special educational needs and disability (Send) support.
As Phillipson begins her tenure, educators and stakeholders await concrete actions to tackle these critical issues facing the education system.