NASUWT comments on the government’s plan for the expansion of free schools

Commenting on the announcement that 75 new free schools and stand-alone sixth forms are to be created, Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary of the NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, said:

“While additional school places in special, alternative and sixth-form provision are needed, an effective strategy for local school place planning is also required to ensure that the needs of all children and young people will be met now, and into the future.

“The Government must also come forward with the additional investment that is needed across the board for rebuilding and refurbishment of existing schools, many of which are in dire need of improvement.

“It is teachers who are key to raising educational standards, but the profession is suffering from excessive workloads, long working hours and low morale. Without a better deal for the profession on pay, workload and wellbeing the Government’s levelling up ambitions will not be achieved in practice.

“Levelling up for children and young people requires Government to focus on investing in the education workforce, rather than continuing to pursue policies weak on evidence that they will raise standards.”