Major Education Reforms Set for Unveiling
The United Kingdom government is poised to release its comprehensive Schools White Paper on Monday, February 23rd, outlining significant education reforms for England. The proposals aim to address long-standing disparities, with a central objective to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their wealthier peers. Additionally, the reforms will introduce substantial changes to the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the reforms as a 'golden opportunity to cut the link between background and success'.
Tackling the Disadvantage Gap
A core component of the reforms is a new target to halve the disadvantage gap by the time children born under the current government complete secondary school. Recent data indicates the disadvantage gap index for Year 11 students stood at 3.92 in the latest GCSE results, having widened post-pandemic to 3.94 in 2022/23 from a low of 3.66 in 2019/20.
To achieve this, the government plans to reform how schools receive targeted disadvantage funding. The new model will move beyond sole reliance on free school meal eligibility, instead considering factors such as
- household income levels
- duration of disadvantage
- geographic location
Further initiatives include the launch of two new programmes, 'Mission North East' and 'Mission Coastal,' designed to improve outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in specific regions, drawing inspiration from the successful London Challenge model. The government also aims to recover 20 million school days a year by the end of 2028/29, compared to 2023/24 levels, and will offer incentives of up to £15,000 for new headteachers working in challenging areas.
Overhauling the SEND System
The Schools White Paper will also detail a 'radical overhaul' of the SEND system, which has been described as being in 'crisis' and 'failing children and families'. Currently, over 1.7 million pupils in England have special educational needs.
Key changes include the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs), which will have legal footing and be provided to every child with SEND. Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), which legally entitle children to support, will be reserved for those with the 'most severe and complex needs'. From 2029, eligibility for EHCPs will be reviewed when children transition to secondary school.
The reforms are built upon five core principles: 'Early,' 'Local,' 'Fair,' 'Effective,' and 'Shared' support. The government has also committed to absorbing SEND costs from 2028/29, aiming to place the system on a more sustainable financial footing. This follows a significant investment of £3.7 billion for 60,000 new SEND places and £200 million for teacher training.
Looking Ahead
These extensive reforms represent a long-term vision for education in England, with the Department for Education aiming for a 'decade-long shift' to allow schools and families to adapt to the changes. The government's objective is to create an education system that 'truly serves every child, whatever their needs and wherever in the country they grow up'.
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