Posted on Wednesday 10th Jan 2018
Damian Hinds has become the new Education Secretary, replacing Justine Greening. What are the questions waiting at the top of his in-tray? And what should he do differently to avoid the sudden exit of his predecessor?
1) How to get back the political initiative?
Damian Hinds will have to re-energise the Conservatives' vision for education, finding something positive that will connect with the public.
From the perspective of 10 Downing Street, it must have seemed as though Labour was making much of the weather over schools and universities.
Parents were worried about being asked to bail out cash-starved schools. And Jeremy Corbyn's promise to scrap tuition fees had seen Labour's student vote reaching record levels.
Justine Greening seemed unenthusiastic about the prime minister's Tory heartlands view of education, characterised by the push for more grammar schools.
Can't find what you are looking for?
Don't worry, please call us anyway to discuss your ideal job.
Latest News
20/11/24Medway education leader and head of Rivermead Inclusive Trust receives OBE from Prince William
An education boss, who left school without any basic qualifications and worked as a hospital cleaner to fund her teacher training, has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Tina Lovey, who rose through the ranks and is now the boss of a thriving academy trust with schools across Medway, was awarded an OBE by Prince William at Windsor Castle.
19/11/24Special Educational Needs system 'has burst'
Children with complex needs are being sent to private schools up to 200 miles away from home because there is not enough capacity in the state system, a BBC investigation has found. Councils struggling to cope with an unprecedented number of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are increasingly reliant upon private providers. Headteachers say funding from government has not kept pace with soaring demand, meaning both mainstream and special schools are struggling to cope.
13/11/24‘Excessive’ 20 hours mentor training requirement scrapped
The government will also launch a new re-accreditation round for initial teacher training providers in spring
12/11/24Majority of parents not deterred by fines for term-time family holidays – survey
The Government should review the marketing and pricing of ‘rip-off’ family holidays, according to Parentkind charity.
11/11/24Anti-Bullying Week 2024: Choose Respect
Anti-Bullying Week 2024 will take place from Monday 11th - Friday 15th November, with the theme: Choose Respect.