Following the publication of the Institute for Fiscal Studies ‘Major challenges for education in Wales’ report, it was highlighted that Wales’ 2022 PISA results were the worst on record. Equally concerning was the explanation for these shocking results 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 today, the Welsh Conservatives brought 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 on the outcome of the debate, Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Minister, Tom Giffard MS, said:
“The findings of the IFS Education report were extremely concerning and have highlighted just how badly the Labour Government have got it wrong on education in Wales over the past 25 years.
“Unfortunately, the Welsh Government have been quiet and brief on their concerns over Wales’ PISA results and the state of education more widely. An unacceptable stance considering the results are a direct consequence of the Labour Government’s policy and approach.
“Today, the Labour Government decided to vote against our proposals to improve education standards. By ploughing ahead with their dangerous reforms, they risk imposing lower educational outcomes on a generation of children in Wales.”