England’s education system has faced considerable challenges in recent years, with some arguing it has reached “tragedy”. Estia wants to uncover why education is seemingly under threat in certain areas and to ensure parents can have stability amongst the cast turmoil.
A recent article published by Yorkshire Bylines commented on how changes to education have created a toxic environment of overbearing discipline, ‘zero tolerance’, and rote learning of a narrow curriculum.
Reasons behind this vary, but a common denominator suggests one of the biggest challenges facing state education in England is funding. Schools have faced significant cuts to their budgets in recent years, reducing the number of teachers and support staff and the resources available for students. This has negatively impacted schools in areas of high deprivation, where there is often a greater need for resources and support.
In addition to funding, there are concerns about the curriculum and the methods in which it is taught. Some argue that the focus on testing and exam results has narrowed the curriculum, with less time and attention being given to subjects such as art, music, and drama. There are also concerns about the pressure placed on students to perform well in exams, which can lead to a stressful and anxiety-inducing learning environment.
Another area for improvement facing state education in England is teacher retention. Many teachers are leaving the profession due to a need for more support and resources and the increasing demands placed on them. This has led to a need for more qualified teachers in many areas, which can harm students’ quality of education.
Finally, there are concerns about the widening attainment gap between students from different backgrounds. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience poor educational outcomes, which can have a long-lasting impact on their life chances. There is a need for greater investment in early years education and targeted support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to help address this issue.
Overall, the unfolding tragedy in state education in England is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires urgent action. This includes a significant investment in funding, a more balanced curriculum, greater support for teachers, and targeted interventions to address the attainment gap.
Estia wants to hear your say, what do you think it would take for these gaps in our education system to gain ‘stability’?
