Sir Kevan Collins resigns as government education recovery commissioner

The government’s education recovery commissioner Sir Kevan Collins has resigned following the announcement of the government's next phase of its catch-up plan, saying successful education recovery wasn't credible in a "programme of support of this size".

Sir Kevan Collins was appointed in February to advise on proposals to help pupils recover education missed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Collins was reported to have called for spending in the region of £15 billion, with initiatives such as extending the school day.

The DfE's latest support measures include initial spending of just £1.4 billion, £1 billion of which is to be spent on tutoring. But the government only committed to a review of the time spent in school and college, with findings due “later in the year to inform the spending review”.

The resignation letter, published by Tes, said: "The package of support provides valuable support, including important investment in teaching quality and tutoring. However as I set out in my reports to you, I do not believe it is credible that a successful recovery can be achieved with a programme of support of this size".