Opinion

‘If I were education secretary…’

I would ask to stay in my job for the rest of the government’s term and in that time...

Debra Kidd
Debra Kidd
Opinion

‘If I were education secretary…’

Secondary education is too exam-focused. There is also too much specialisation too early (after GCSE), too little variety between...

Nicky Phillips
Nicky Phillips
Opinion

‘If I were education secretary…’

Differences between children’s performance at school are not just due to differences in parenting and home life or differences...

Nicky Phillips
Nicky Phillips
Opinion

If we can’t take politics out of education, can we at least minimise it?

“Get politics out of education” is a heartfelt cry heard in many forms. But can it work? A general...

Russell Hobby
Russell Hobby
Opinion

“If I were education secretary I would…”

I would first recognise the excellence in state schools throughout the country. I would do this by indicating what...

Nicky Phillips
Nicky Phillips
Opinion

“If I were education secretary I would…”

The first thing I would do is drastically limit my own powers, and those of my successors, by irreversibly...

Nicky Phillips
Nicky Phillips
Opinion

“If I were education secretary I would…”

I would face the facts. Since the advent of high-stakes testing, many schools have become depressing places for students...

Nicky Phillips
Nicky Phillips
Opinion

“If I were education secretary I would…”

I would publish more data and set fewer targets. I would make it easier for research organisations to access...

Nicky Phillips
Nicky Phillips
Opinion

What education questions to ask political canvassers

Forget 24-hour news, the internet and Twitter: parliamentary candidates will still go canvassing before May 7. Be prepared and...

Expert Contributor
Expert Contributor