Education secretary urges critics to leave London

Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, is facing criticism over her proposed school reforms. She has urged her critics to leave London to see the struggles faced by schools outside the capital. Many academies in these areas are underperforming and need new strategies to improve. In her comments to the Daily Telegraph, Phillipson responded to criticism from former education secretary Michael Gove and ex-Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman. They expressed concerns that her plans could harm children's education and weaken the standards in the UK school system. The Labour Party has introduced the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This bill aims to standardize pay and conditions for teachers in both academies and local council-run schools. Currently, academies can set their own rules, but the new bill would change this and require all schools to follow the national curriculum. It would also prevent academies from hiring unqualified teachers. Gove is worried about potential changes to the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), which he created. This program encourages students to take a broad range of subjects. He believes moving away from such an ambitious curriculum could hurt children's futures and the economy. Criticism from Spielman has intensified, accusing Phillipson of prioritizing trade unions over the needs of students. The government responded by suggesting Spielman should focus on her past leadership at Ofsted, where she faced significant challenges. The National Education Union supports Labour's reforms, claiming they would improve conditions for both teachers and students. However, they also call for more investment in schools. The Department for Education insists that these reforms are designed to ensure every child has access to good schools and high-quality teachers. They believe this will help schools innovate and attract the best talent.