Responding to the results of the 2024 general election, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union, NAHT, said:

“Today’s election result represents an important moment not just for the country, but also for schools and school leaders. A change of government means a fresh start and new opportunities.

“School leaders have been clear about the scale of the crisis facing education and the new government will have a range of pressing priorities as it assumes power. More than anything, I call on this new government to restore education as a national priority.

“In our manifesto, we identified a range of crises that any incoming government would need to address. These include the current state of SEND provision, the major challenges with recruitment and retention and the dilapidated state of school buildings. Alongside this, there is an urgent need to address the broken accountability system and an ongoing funding crisis.

"NAHT is a politically independent union. As we have done before, we will continue to provide freely of our expertise to make this parliament a successful one for schools, for children and the communities they support. When we need to speak out for our members, we will continue to do so. Where we think the government needs to go further, we will always speak out – fairly, and with proactive solutions to hand.

“We stand ready to work with the new government to help ensure that this nation’s children and young people receive the world-class education they richly deserve.”