Scotland’s education system faces significant challenges, prompting calls for a closer examination of successful policies implemented across the border in England. During a recent discussion, Maree Todd, Scotland’s Sports Minister, expressed admiration for the success of the England women’s football team, highlighting its positive influence on the women’s game in Scotland. This acknowledgment of English achievements is rare among Scottish National Party (SNP) politicians, who typically emphasize Scottish exceptionalism.
The landscape of women’s football contrasts sharply with the more tribal culture often associated with men’s sports. Todd noted that the atmosphere at women’s matches tends to be more family-oriented and supportive, fostering a sense of unity among fans. She emphasized the idea that “sisterhood is stronger than nationhood,” a sentiment that resonates amid the rising tensions surrounding Scottish independence, which now garners support close to 50 percent.
As Scotland navigates its political future, with potential leadership from parties such as Plaid Cymru in Wales and Sinn Féin in Northern Ireland, the need for constructive cooperation among the UK nations has never been more critical. The past decade has seen a constitutional battle that has hindered the recognition of effective policies from England, particularly in education.
Scottish education has struggled under a progressive establishment resistant to necessary reforms. In contrast, England’s schools have improved significantly, driven by a series of reforms initiated by both Labour and Conservative governments. These changes have propelled England up the international education rankings.
This week, Sir Nick Gibb, a notable figure in the English education system and former schools minister, shared insights on these successful reforms at an event hosted by the think tank Enlighten. Gibb, who served in his role throughout much of the 2010s and into the early 2020s, has authored a book titled Reforming Lessons: Why English Schools Have Improved Since 2010 and How This Was Achieved.
His tenure focused on expanding the academy programme, which revitalized struggling schools and allowed successful leaders greater autonomy. Key elements of his reform strategy included enhancing accountability, revising teaching methods, and prioritizing a knowledge-based curriculum. Gibb’s approach involved implementing phonics and East Asian strategies for teaching mathematics, leading to quick and significant improvements in student outcomes.
Despite facing opposition from the English education establishment, Gibb maintained constructive relationships with critics and emphasized collaboration over confrontation. He adopted a practical approach, introducing reforms incrementally to achieve comprehensive change.
Scotland’s education system, meanwhile, continues to grapple with issues of poor performance. Political leaders across parties appear hesitant to engage deeply with the problem, and there is a pressing need for transformative policies. As the upcoming elections approach, it remains uncertain whether political manifestos will reflect the bold thinking required to tackle these challenges or continue to adhere to outdated conservative principles despite their track record of decline.
Gibb advocates for a focus on effective, evidence-based policies rather than ideological rigidity. His insights offer valuable lessons for Scottish leaders, particularly Jenny Gilruth, Scotland’s Education Secretary, who has expressed interest in meeting with Gibb. It is crucial that she approaches these discussions with an open mind, ready to embrace strategies that could significantly enhance Scotland’s education system and, ultimately, the prospects of its children.
As discussions about the future of Scotland unfold, it is essential to prioritize education as a critical area for improvement. The successful systems worldwide share common features, and embracing proven practices could pave the way for a brighter future for Scotland’s young learners.
