Policy Watch

This week finally saw the publication of the much anticipated “Levelling Up” White Paper. A mixture of new policies and previously announced ones, the White Paper does not include any new spending commitments. As you would expect, education features prominently as Ministers look to tackle geographical disparities and close widening gaps. New missions aim at improving attainment at school, with “cold spots” receiving targeted help, and increasing numbers completing “high-quality” skills training. In outlining what levelling up means to him, Nadhim Zahawi said: “I want everyone to have a chance to see their potential flourish…It is everyone’s right to have a great, world-class education and schools have a key role to play in levelling up.” Reaction to the plans has been mixed, not least because of a lack of new spending promises.

The week ended with Michelle Donelan’s Written Ministerial Statement announcing that the repayment thresholds and interest rate thresholds will remain at current levels for the financial year 2022-23. Of interest was the suggestion that the government will “shortly” set out further plans addressing the student finance recommendations made in the Augar Review. This is a change in tone from “in due course” and so we might yet see the response to Augar.

As the Government announced an end to “Plan B” and mandatory mask wearing, Secretary of State, Nadhim Zahawi, has been accused of micromanagement by teaching unions for wanting to vet plans to bring back masks in classrooms. Local health leaders must consult him, should they wish to reintroduce masks in their area. Over 100 schools have said that they will continue the need for masks in lessons.

Robin Walker, the Schools Minister, was in front of the Education Committee this week covering a wide range of subjects. He made clear that the plan remains that exams will take place in the summer, but confirmed work was underway on contingencies (should the need arise). He also covered the education catch up programme, describing it as a “huge success” and that it is “making a difference".

Omicron continues to dominate as ministers wrestle with its implications for the education sector. Education Select Committee Chair, Rob Halfon, asked an urgent question on school opening in January. Skills Minister, Alex Burghart reiterated the government’s commitment to keeping schools open and this was followed by Secretary of State, Nadhim Zahawi calling on retired teachers to help provide cover.