Vision 2040 group launches 25-year plan for education

Vision 2040 said it produced the document out of frustration at the ‘short-termism’ of policy cycles, and said this had a damaging impact on schools. It lists 10 ‘starter points’, which include reconsidering “all current curriculum, assessment and wider policy changes to determine which should be abandoned, which could be delayed and which should continue to be addressed”.

It also suggests creating ‘geographical families of schools’ over the next decade with a simple governance structure.

The group came together through SSAT, the Schools, Students and Teachers Network, to articulate a teachers’ vision for what education could look like in 2040 and a map to get there.

SSAT chief executive Sue Williamson said: “This is a potentially game-changing statement of intent. For far too long, teachers’ professionalism has been compromised – forced to be technicians, delivering top-down policy initiatives. What this publication shows is that teachers are ready and willing to lead their own direction to ensure all young people get the education they deserve.”

Vision 2040 chair, head teacher Stephen Tierney, said: “This pamphlet has come about through the increasing willingness of teachers to work together, using social media, and through national networks like SSAT, to shape a better future for all children. We hope the next government will engage with our vision and enter into a constructive dialogue with us.”

SSAT has also launched a series of policy recommendations in its ‘Building on Consensus’ document.

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