Last month, the Institute for Fiscal Studies released their ‘Major challenges for education in Wales’ report, which revealed some shocking revelations regarding education in Wales, and the Labour Government’s responsibility regarding this.
The report highlighted that Wales’ 2022 pisa results were the worst on record. But worryingly, the report also highlighted that this explanation was due to Welsh Government policy and approach, and that Labour Government reforms were running the risk of widening inequalities, increasing teacher workload, and limiting future education opportunities.
In the Senedd next Wednesday (24/04/24), the Welsh Conservatives are bringing forward a Senedd motion regarding this shocking report, whilst calling on the Labour Government to take proactive measures to improve educational outcomes in Wales.
Commenting ahead of the debate, Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Minister, Tom Giffard MS, said:
“The IFS Education report is extremely concerning and highlights how badly the Labour Government have got it wrong with their educational reforms.
“It’s completely unacceptable that Wales has the lowest pisa results in the UK, with direct Welsh Government policy and approach being the reason for this.
“In the next Senedd next week, I look forward to bringing forward a Welsh Conservative debate to bring forward proactive solutions to improve educational outcomes across Wales.”
The motion which will be debated on Wednesday reads:
To propose that the Senedd:
1. Notes the Major Challenges for Education in Wales report published by the Institution for Fiscal Studies which highlighted that:
a) PISA scores declined more in Wales than in most other countries in 2022;
b) post-16 educational outcomes in Wales are the worst in the UK;
c) pupils in Wales were performing only as well as disadvantaged children in England;
d) the explanation for lower educational performance in Wales is likely to reflect Welsh Government policy and approach; and
e) the new curriculum for Wales and Welsh Government reforms run the risk of widening inequalities, increasing teacher workload, and limiting future education opportunities.
2. Calls on the Welsh Government to:
a) commission an independent review into the current educational reforms being brought forward;
b) prioritise children’s education by getting 5,000 more teachers back into classrooms;
c) ensure those with additional learning needs are provided with the right support sooner; and
d) roll-out the introduction of free schools and academies.
