Responding to the results of the 2024 general election, Paul
Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:
“Today's election result represents an important moment not just
for the country, but also for schools and school leaders. A
change of government means a fresh start and new opportunities.
“School leaders have been clear about the scale of the crisis
facing education and the new government will have a range of
pressing priorities as it assumes power. More than anything, I
call on this new government to restore education as a national
priority.
“In our manifesto, we identified a range of crises that any
incoming government would need to address. These include the
current state of SEND provision, the major challenges with
recruitment and retention and the dilapidated state of school
buildings. Alongside this, there is an urgent need to address the
broken accountability system and an ongoing funding crisis.
"NAHT is a politically independent union. As we have done before,
we will continue to provide freely of our expertise to make this
parliament a successful one for schools, for children and the
communities they support. When we need to speak out for our
members, we will continue to do so. Where we think the government
needs to go further, we will always speak out – fairly, and with
proactive solutions to hand.
“We stand ready to work with the new government to help ensure
that this nation's children and young people receive the
world-class education they richly deserve.”
