Expert insight, analysis and comment on key public policy issues
By Bob Hindle Filed Under: All posts Posted:
In recent months both Theresa May and Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, have made significant interventions in the debate on counter extremism. In this blog, Bob Hindle of Manchester Institute of Education, explains why a new Prevent strategy is needed, and how that might develop. Policy must consider wider educational responsibilities such as strengthening community […]
By Donna Johnson Filed Under: All posts, Science and Engineering Posted:
The UK’s skills gap in science, technology, engineering and maths has been widely acknowledged, but the measures needed to address it are less clear. Here, Donna Johnson, Head of the Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation Hub, lays out the current debate and argues for cross-sector support between schools and universities and a focus […]
By Yaron Matras Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Growth and Inclusion Posted:
This month’s issue of The Economist included an article entitled ‘Why central and eastern European children lag behind in British schools’. Here, Professor Yaron Matras responds to the article and discusses the difficulties of using official statistic to record languages. The article looks mainly to languages as being a factor in differential educational achievement, but […]
By Andy Westwood Filed Under: British Politics Posted:
The independent Industrial Strategy Commission has today issued its emerging findings (.pdf). Commissioner Professor Andy Westwood describes why ambition alone won’t be enough for its proposed skills reforms. The Industrial Strategy’s technical education proposals will be the 29th major reform of skills since the 1980s This reflects a long-term UK weaknesses in skills – especially technical […]
By Sylvie Lomer Filed Under: All posts, British Politics Posted:
As people up and down the country prepare to return to the polls for Thursday’s general election, Dr Sylvie Lomer reviews the manifestos and what they mean for higher education policy. The Conservatives want to create institutes of technology and review funding and access to tertiary education Labour would abolish tuition fees, reintroduce maintenance grants […]
By Alex Baratta Filed Under: British Politics Posted:
Dr Alex Baratta writes on the complexities of language, accents, and pronunciation in the classroom. Dr Baratta argues for the standardisation of some elements of pronunciation in teacher training as the best way to balance educational outcomes in learned ‘phonics’ with the protection and celebration of diversity through experience of a variety of accents. Currently, language […]
By Sarah Marie Hall and Laura Pottinger Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Growth and Inclusion Posted:
Since the general election was called, there has been an upturn in voter registration amongst the under 25s. Many young people, however, have still not registered and they are considered less likely to vote than older people. But this by no means tells the whole story. Young people are starting to seek new, bolder ways […]
By Liam Shields Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Growth and Inclusion Posted:
Liam Shields, Lecturer in Political Theory at The University of Manchester examines the Labour Party’s manifesto promise to establish a life-long National Education Service which could enhance equality of opportunity throughout the UK. This policy has many parallels with the NHS and the emphasis on opportunities for educational enrichment beyond “school-age” is striking. By including […]
By Vikas Shah Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Growth and Inclusion, Science and Engineering, Science and Technology Posted:
Inequality in our world is a root cause of many problems, but the strength of technology means it is no longer inevitable, says Vikas Shah. Here he shares his Technifesto for the United Kingdom. Information is now who we are – technology is our primary economic, social and cultural tool It’s an absolute priority to […]
By John Wrathmell Filed Under: All posts, British Politics, Growth and Inclusion Posted:
As part of Policy@Manchester’s Budget coverage, John Wrathmell, Head of Strategy for New Economy, asks whether actions will follow Philip Hammond’s promising words on productivity and inclusion. The Prime Minister’s aim of wider inclusion in economic success is an important one Greater Manchester’s work on this agenda underpins the City Region’s approach Productivity is part […]