Latest news and insights

As we begin the new school year, and look back on what was an extraordinary summer term, we want to share our reflections on the conversations, ideas and energy that have shaped discussions over the past few months.

What started as an invitation to come together and talk about the future of English has grown into something much bigger. This is no longer just a conversation: it’s a shared commitment to reimagine how this subject can equip every learner with the confidence, creativity and critical thinking skills to succeed in life beyond school.

We’ve brought together thousands of voices from across education — classroom teachers, curriculum leaders, students and sector experts — to explore bold questions about the future of English. From national forums to regional roadshows, a picture has begun to emerge: this is a subject that matters deeply and must adapt to meet the needs of young people in an ever-changing world.

Let’s Talk English is our invitation to rethink the purpose of English — to imagine what a richer, more inclusive and more meaningful experience of the subject could look like. 

Since the campaign launched in March, we’ve run six forums with teachers and sector leads across the country. We’ve completed extensive research into the views of secondary English teachers (the results of which are coming soon), and asked representatives from across the sector to share their views on key topics. And we’re only just getting started.

Is creativity a dying art in the English classroom? In our latest Let's Talk English blog. education expert, Matt Bromley delves into this question and provides his five top tips on how English teachers can harness creativity in the classroom. 

Responding to the government’s Skills White Paper released on 20 October, Freya Thomas Monk, Managing Director of Pearson Qualifications, said:

“The Skills White Paper marks a shift in the system of vocational education for young people that will help tackle the UK’s widening skills gap in industries vital to economic growth.

Introducing the Young Green Briton Challenge

The Young Green Briton Challenge (YGBC) has been inspiring secondary school students across England for the past three years.

 Its core purpose is to empower young people to design and deliver local climate action ventures, while building valuable, transferable green skills for the future.  The challenge is co-designed and delivered by Social Innovation for All and GenEarth, in partnership with cornerstone funder, the Green Britain Foundation.  Since its launch in 2022, YGBC has expanded rapidly, evolving into a national platform for youth-led, school-based climate action.

A new L&W report, sponsored by Pearson, finds that England’s occupational standards are too numerous, often slow to adapt and lack strategic oversight.

With more than twice the number of standards as countries like Germany and Switzerland, the system risks being unwieldy and less effective for employers, learners and the economy.

The research calls for a more streamlined, consistent and flexible approach to ensure apprenticeships and technical qualifications keep pace with change - from green skills to AI.