Teachers asked to submit evidence for inquiry into secondary education in England

The House of Lords Education for 11 to 16 Year Olds Committee is launching its inquiry into the challenges and opportunities faced by the secondary education system in England.

The Committee on Education for 11 to 16 year olds was appointed in January 2023. The committee has been asked to focus on an important stage in a young person’s education, from Year 7 (when they start secondary school) to Year 11.

The inquiry will look critically at the effectiveness of the current curriculum and assessment model, exploring whether these are preparing young people for the job opportunities they will encounter in a future digital and green economy, and will consider proposals for significant reform.

The committee is seeking evidence on a number of topics, including:

•     The effectiveness of the 11-16 curriculum in equipping young people with the skills they need to progress into post-16 education and employment in a future digital and green economy
• The availability and attractiveness of technical and vocational options in the 11-16 phase
•  The impact of the 11-16 system on the motivation and confidence of pupils of all abilities
• The effectiveness of GCSEs as a means of assessing the achievements of all pupils at the end of the 11-16 phase
•  Alternative methods of assessment for measuring progress that could be considered either alongside or instead of GCSEs
• How the school accountability system affects the 11-16 curriculum
• How the 11-16 system could be adapted to improve the attractiveness of the teaching profession, and the recruitment, training and retention of teachers
• The role technology can play in education in this phase, including in assessment, the personalisation of learning and reducing teachers’ workload
•    How spending for this phase of education should be prioritised, in the context of the current fiscal climate.

Lord Johnson of Marylebone, chair of the Education for 11 to 16 Year Olds Committee, said: “The secondary education system in England is currently at a crossroads, facing several challenges and opportunities. 

“Our inquiry will build on a number of important recent reports, looking critically at the effectiveness of the current curriculum and assessment model and exploring whether these are preparing young people for the job opportunities they will encounter in our future economy.

“We are keen to hear from teachers, education providers and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure their views are considered.”

The complete list of topics, plus details of how to submit evidence by the deadline of Sunday 30 April, can be found on the committee’s website.

The committee is scheduled to report on its findings in November 2023.