Commenting on a speech by the Education Secretary at the Annual Conference of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

On Oak Academy:

“Oak has been a valuable resource for schools during the pandemic and it’s good to see that the teacher-developed resources will continue to be available and developed further. It’s right that this should be at arms-length from the DfE – it’s important that it remains a resource created by schools for schools, led by the profession. We are pleased to see that there is a commitment to ensuring there remains a plurality and optionality of resources, rather than a one-size fits all approach, giving schools the ability to choose what is right and helpful for them and their pupils.”

On Oak lessons in Ukrainian:

“This is a great move from the DfE and from Oak. I’m proud that as a country our education service can move swiftly to provide help and support educating those most in need.”

On EEF:

“We welcome the announcement of a re-endowment for the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). Since being formed, EEF have built a global reputation in educational research, occupying a unique position in the education landscape. We hope that with their new endowment the EEF will continue to provide impartial and independent evidence on education, free from vested interests.“

On teacher pay and starting salaries:

Ian Hartwright, senior policy advisor for school leaders' union NAHT, said: “It is right for the DfE to suggest a move towards finally getting to the promised £30K starting salary. But after many years of real terms pay cuts, including this year’s pay freeze, all teachers and leaders need their pay to be restored.

“The current suggestion for differentiated pay would mean that higher starting salaries for ECTs are essentially being paid for by lower uplifts for experienced teachers and leaders – making experienced professionals worse off. This would be yet another real terms pay cut for leaders while inflation is soaring and due to rise even further.”