NUT: OECD – Education at a Glance 2011
Commenting on the latest report from the OECD on education, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers’ union, said this:
“These findings are significant, as they directly contradict the central planks of the Coalition Government’s education policy.
“The OECD report sends a stark message: invest in further and higher education or pay the price. The Government’s introduction of astronomical tuition fees alongside the reduction of the Education Maintenance Allowance will result in fewer students continuing in education despite the obvious advantages. These Government policies will cost both society and the individual dearly.
“The report makes quite clear that achieving a social balance of students between schools and allocating resources, particularly qualified teachers, fairly across the system are the most effective ways of improving a country’s education. This is the exact opposite of what the Government’s academies and Free Schools programme will achieve.
“The message from this report comes across loud and clear: the Coalition Government’s policy on education is simply not right. They have been warned. It is time to stand back, admit mistakes and ensure that education spending at all levels is maintained even at times of recession. Failure to do so will exclude large sections of society from the education they deserve, and that as a country we need”.
For further information contact Caroline Cowie on 0207 380 4706 or 07879480061
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