Education Committee calls for evidence on secondary education and its suitability

The Committee on Education for 11 to 16 Year Olds was appointed in January 2023 and is chaired by Lord Johnson of Marylebone. The Committee has been asked to focus on an important stage in a young person’s education, from year 7, when they start secondary school, to year 11. During this period, most young people will work towards national qualifications, usually GCSEs, as well as making important decisions about their future education and training. Educational provision for this age range has seen significant reforms in recent years, particularly changes to GCSE subject content and assessment. The inquiry will look critically at the effectiveness of the current curriculum and assessment model, exploring whether these are preparing young people for the job opportunities they will encounter in a future digital and green economy, and will consider proposals for significant reform.

The Committee is seeking written submissions addressing any or all of the following topics:

• The range and breadth of subjects covered in the 11-16 curriculum
• The effectiveness of the 11-16 curriculum in equipping young people with the skills they need to progress into post-16 education and employment in a future digital and green economy
• The availability and attractiveness of technical and vocational options in the 11-16 phase
• The impact of the 11-16 system on the motivation and confidence of pupils of all abilities
• The effectiveness of GCSEs as a means of assessing the achievements of all pupils at the end of the 11-16 phase
• Alternative methods of assessment for measuring progress that could be considered either alongside or instead of GCSEs
• How the school accountability system affects the 11-16 curriculum
• The role technology can play in education in this phase, including in assessment, the personalisation of learning and reducing teachers’ workload
• How the 11-16 system could be adapted to improve the attractiveness of the teaching profession, and the recruitment, training and retention of teachers
• How spending for this phase of education should be prioritised, in the context of the current fiscal climate
• Lessons for improving education for the 11-16 phase from educational policy and practice from overseas, or from the devolved administrations

Lord Johnson of Marylebone, Chair of the Committee, said:

“The secondary education system in England is currently at a crossroads, facing several challenges and opportunities. Our inquiry will build on a number of important recent reports, looking critically at the effectiveness of the current curriculum and assessment model and exploring whether these are preparing young people for the job opportunities they will encounter in our future economy. We are keen to hear from teachers, education providers and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure their views are considered.”

Although this does not directly mention education for those with additional needs, this is a prime opportunity for parents and carers of those young people whose voice is often not heard, to be putting their views forward. The call is for written evidence to be submitted to the Committee and the deadline is 6pm on 30 April 2023.