New Education Secretary welcomed counterparts
from across the world to the Education World Forum to share
ideas and expertise, as he gave his first speech as
Education Secretary today.
Speaking at the Education World Forum, he highlighted the
importance of international cooperation and openness to
more than 80 Education Ministers from around the world. He
focused on what they can learn from each other when
tackling common issues and challenges, as well the
knowledge they can gain from each other’s successes, to
help ensure every young person can access a world-class
education.
Education Secretary Education said:
Standards are rising in our schools thanks to our reforms
and the hard work of teachers. There are 1.9 million more
children in good or outstanding schools than in 2010,
nine out of ten schools were given this rating at their
last inspection and our recent rise up the international
rankings for reading and literacy puts England’s
achievements on a global scale.
We are already learning from international best practice,
with programmes like the Teaching for Mastery and the
Mandarin Excellence Programme. Now we want to go even
further and ensure all our young people are able to excel
in the new global economy.
As well as learning from other countries, education is
also one of our country’s biggest export earners. By
continuing to forge strong relationships globally we can
create even more opportunities for the next generation
and help build a Britain that is fit for the future.
The Education Secretary’s speech comes days after he
confirmed further plans to drive up education standards
across England and increase opportunity in the areas that
need it most. The announcement last week included support
for underperforming schools alongside a package of measures
to offer young people more opportunities to make the best
of their lives in social mobility ‘cold spots’.
Minister for School Standards and Minister for
Apprenticeships and Skills will also speak at the
Education World Forum later this week, focusing on
government reforms and an increased emphasis on training
and vocational skills.
Attended by more than 500 people, the Education World Forum
will run until Wednesday 24 January. It is supported by the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for
Education, the Department for International Trade, the
Department for International Development, the British
Council and the EWF industry partners.
The event comes ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting which will be hosted by the UK in April
and will bring experts from around the world together
again.
