More grammar schools should not be priority in party policies, union warns

School leaders’ union NAHT has suggested five key priorities for political parties to include in their General Election manifestos, and grammar schools in not one of them.

The union believe that a top priority for the education sector should be to fund education fully and fairly, by reversing the £3 billion real terms cuts that schools are facing and providing enough money to make the new national funding formula a success.

There should also be a national strategy for teacher recruitment and retention that recognises teachers as high-status professionals and guarantees enough teachers for every school; fair methods to hold schools to account, recognising that test and exam results are only part of the picture when judging a pupil’s success or a school’s effectiveness; and a broad range of subjects in the school day so opportunities are not limited.

The union’s final point is to make sure that schools are supported by health and social care services to allow schools to fulfil their role to promote pupil wellbeing rather than making up for cuts to other services.

Russell Hobby, NAHT general secretary said: “Education is near the top of the national agenda at the moment – as it should be. Our five priorities reflect the real challenges affecting schools and young people right now. Parties hoping for the support of parents, teachers and school leaders need to have something to say on these key areas. These will underpin future success."

The suggestions will be unveiled at NAHT’s Annual Conference in Telford.

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