A report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies reveals educational disparities in Wales, as Vaughan Gething becomes the country’s and Europe’s first black leader, pledging reform and unity.
A recent report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has highlighted significant educational challenges in Wales, indicating that students in Wales perform at levels comparable to disadvantaged children in England. This finding comes despite similar education spending per capita across both regions. The report, which draws attention to Wales’ declining international assessment rankings, such as those in the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa), suggests that lower achievement levels in Wales cannot be solely blamed on poverty, as areas in England with similar socio-economic profiles report considerably higher GCSE results.
The author of the study, Luke Sibieta, calls for evidence-based reforms to tackle these disparities. In response to the findings, the Welsh government has cited recent curriculum changes and planned reforms, while opposition figures, including the shadow education minister, Laura Anne Jones, criticise the current education strategies in Wales. Additionally, the National Association of Head Teachers Cymru has expressed concern over the challenging conditions faced by schools, particularly in light of the recent pandemic, highlighting a need for increased investment in education.
In political developments, Vaughan Gething has been elected as the new First Minister of Wales, replacing Mark Drakeford. Gething’s election is historically significant, marking him as the first black leader of any European country. Winning the position with 27 out of 51 votes in the Senedd, Gething has voiced a commitment to leading a Wales characterized by “hope, ambition, and unity” and criticized the UK government for undermining Welsh devolution. Notably, his campaign faced scrutiny over a £200,000 donation from a company penalized for environmental offences, though Gething defended the integrity of the donation.
As Gething takes on his new role, he has pledged to focus on standing up for Wales and its devolution, amidst a backdrop of both congratulations and calls for accountability from political counterparts. His election has been both a cause for celebration and a signal for the potential challenges and policy focuses that may define his term as First Minister, with particular attention on how he will navigate issues such as education reform and relations with the UK government.
