Commenting on the Social Mobility Commission’s
report: Time for change: an assessment of government
policies on social mobility 1997-2017, Geoff Barton, General
Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:
“We’re pleased that the report notes the significant increase
that has taken place in educational standards over the past 20
years. However, there is clearly much more work that needs to be
done to close the attainment gap between children from
disadvantaged backgrounds and their wealthier peers. Schools
cannot do this alone. We also need joined-up social policies
which tackle factors that detrimentally affect young people, such
as poverty and poor housing.
“Schools are absolutely determined to continue to raise
standards. But they must have the resources they need, namely
sufficient funding and a ready supply of teachers. At the moment,
there is a serious shortfall in both respects, and we can only
repeat our call to the government to deal urgently with these
matters.
“This report notes that efforts to boost the standing of the
teaching profession and recruitment and retention have stalled.
It comments that the continuing professional development of
teachers has not received the policy focus it deserves. Teachers
are the lifeblood of the system. We believe it is vital that the
government better incentivises teaching as a career, and that it
works closely with the profession to develop a career strategy
which improves retention.
“School and college leaders have never been more committed to
the national social mobility agenda. Now they need the backing
and resources to make it happen.”
