Calls for new minister to address inequity in education

A new Ministerial post responsible for addressing the entrenched inequity in the education system should be created, a cross-party group of parliamentarians has found.
 
A new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Diversity and Inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), titled “Equity in STEM Education”, highlights the need for a more joined-up approach by government to tackle the causes of inequity in the education system.
 
The APPG found the current education system fails to provide needs-based learning opportunities in STEM education to all students (3-19) in England. The lack of a joined-up Government approach, schools’ role in GCSE option selection and a lack of access to good careers education were part of several factors contributing to the inequity in the system.
 
Based on these findings the APPG has made six recommendations, with parliamentarians calling on the government to introduce a Minister responsible for addressing inequity within the education system. They also call for STEM education that is more relevant to the lives of all young people.

The report also calls for greater action to address teacher shortages in STEM subjects; and to fully implement changes to careers support and guidance suggested by the Careers Strategy for England. It also calls for steps to address the existing inequalities in provision of Double Award and Triple Science at GCSE, and a review of fundamental changes to STEM GCSEs which considers equity issues.
 
The APPG on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM, chaired by Chi Onwurah MP, was formed in 2018 and is a cross-party group dedicated to promoting the inclusion and progression of people from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. The group has over 20 members and officers from across parties and both Houses. Equity in STEM education is important for Chi, as she herself graduated from Imperial College London with an Electrical Engineering degree in 1987; and she had a career in engineering and technology before entering parliament.
 
Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of the APPG on Diversity and Inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), said: “The recent global protests on inequality have only further served to highlight that we must continually review the systems we have in place to ensure they are fit for purpose. Nowhere is this clearer than in STEM education.
 
“I am pleased to launch the APPG on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM’s first report on the incredibly important topic of equity in STEM education. Our report shows that whatever the socio-economic background, from the age of three onwards, children are currently suffering from the levels of inequity in STEM education.
 
“It has been encouraging to see my colleagues from across the political spectrum come together with organisations who are leading the way in helping make STEM education more equitable for current and future generations.
 
“The report contains new ideas and solutions that can help more young people build their skills and raise their aspirations. It is my hope that the Government looks closely at the recommendations in the report. Addressing the current inequity in STEM education now will pay dividends, as the next generation go on to plug the current STEM skills gap, ensuring the UK continues to be a world leader in scientific and technological innovation.”