Ambition Institute welcomes new Schools White Paper

Today the Department for Education has unveiled its vision for schools in England in its white paper, Opportunity for all: strong schools with great teachers for your child.

Ambition Institute’s CEO, Hilary Spencer reflects on its contents:

“We believe that every child should be taught by an expert teacher who is continually improving their skills, working in a school led by expert leaders. We welcome the government’s commitment to provide 500,000 training and development opportunities as a key pillar of the Schools White Paper.     

“Children from disadvantaged backgrounds don’t do as well as their peers at school: improving teaching and school leadership is the best, and most sustainable, in-school factor in addressing this gap.  It is even more important for children who’ve had a tough start in life, or who have suffered some of the worst effects of the pandemic. 

“There are many excellent examples of teachers, leaders, schools and trusts in our education system. High quality evidence is key to helping us all move forward, so we particularly welcome the move to secure the long-term future of the Education Endowment Foundation, so they can continue their important work.   

“We also welcome the support proposed for the most disadvantaged children and those working with them: making the best possible progress in English and maths; investment in the early years workforce; and strengthening development for teachers supporting children with special educational needs. 

“This year Ambition Institute is working with 1 in 20 teachers and school leaders, to help make sure every child gets a great education and the best possible start in life.  We welcome the focus on supporting excellent teaching and leadership, and look forward to working with teachers and leaders across the system in the years ahead.”