A comprehensive initiative at North London Collegiate School focuses on enhancing students’ verbal communication skills against a backdrop of political debate over independent school funding and the impact of Covid-19 on educational outcomes. Meanwhile, Labour’s school funding proposal faces scrutiny, and a study reveals pandemic’s varied effects on student performance.
North London Collegiate School has initiated a programme to sharpen the oracy skills of its students, teaching them how to confidently engage with adults they may find intimidating, including future employers. Headteacher Vicky Bingham emphasized the critical role of effective communication for success in professional environments. The initiative aligns with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s advocacy for enhanced oracy education, suggesting it holds significant potential for improving career prospects. This educational shift comes in response to recommendations by Ofsted urging schools to develop students’ speaking abilities to bridge language gaps, particularly among disadvantaged pupils.
Meanwhile, a proposal from the Labour Party to apply VAT on fees for independent schools has sparked debate over its economic implications. The Adam Smith Institute predicts this policy could lead to a £1.6 billion cost rather than generating tax revenue, primarily by pressuring the state education system with an influx from the private sector. Contrary to the Institute for Fiscal Studies’ prediction of raising £1.3-£1.5 billion, the think tank warns of potential negative impacts like school closures and job losses among educational staff. Trade minister Greg Hands criticized the policy for being poorly thought-out with potential adverse outcomes for the educational sector.
In another development, a recent study has exposed the disparate impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the educational attainment of boys and girls, revealing girls were more adversely affected in their reading and maths performance. Despite this downturn, girls continue to outshine boys in reading. The Education Policy Institute and Renaissance analysis, examining six million assessments from 2002 to 2023, found significant regional variations in performance, pinpointing London as showing notable progress in primary reading. The findings call for tailored support to address these disparities efficiently.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has endorsed Mayor Sadiq Khan for a third term in London’s City Hall but has withheld explicit support for some of Khan’s major policies, including the Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion, rent controls, and the proposal for universal free school meals. Opting for a more cautious approach, Starmer expressed support for free breakfast clubs nationwide while also acknowledging the need to tackle air pollution, albeit without fully backing the Ulez expansion. Starmer’s selective endorsement comes ahead of the London mayoral election where Khan seeks re-election alongside the London Assembly.
