Education is in crisis in Britain, with teacher shortages, lack of funding and inequality between state and private schools higher than ever before. Here are the main policies regarding education from Labour’s manifesto, detailing their plan to address this crisis:
- End the VAT exemption and business rates relief for private schools, narrowing the gap between private and state schools to battle inequality. This plan is estimated to generate £1.5 billion to invest into Britain’s public education system, which covers most of the following policies in terms of funding.
- Recruit 6500 new teachers, especially in shortage subjects, as well as increase and improve training for teachers and headmasters.
- Guarantee at least 2 weeks of work experience for all young people and improve careers advice systems in schools and colleges.
- More funding for ‘evidence-based’ early language interventions in all primary schools.
- Reform Ofsted’s inspection system to give a more detailed review of a schools performance via a ‘report card’ rather than a single number rating, allowing parents to know exactly how their school performing.
- Open 3334 new nurseries by expanding or upgrading space in primary schools.
- Access to mental health specialists in every school, to ensure all young people have avenues to find help before problems escalate.
- Free breakfast clubs in all primary schools to ensure every child has a meal in the morning, easing the burden on parents. This will be funded by closing non-dom tax loopholes.
A brief video summary of Labour’s education plans can be found here: Labour’s First Steps For Change
The full manifesto and more information can be found here: Labour Manifesto 2024
