Past events

From the introduction of free schools and the English Baccalaureate to a review of the National Curriculum and vocational qualifications, the coalition government has introduced a plethora of changes to the education system since it was formed in May 2010. But what does all of this really mean for today's learners?

Our eighth Parliamentary Research Enquiry brought together academics and policymakers to debate a recent McKinsey report 'How the world's most improved school systems keep getting better' and discuss which, if any, of the report's findings hold weight for future education reform.

We believe that recent discussions in the media and elsewhere about whether the age at which children take GCSEs should be lowered to 14 avoids the real discussion about what is being tested, why, and what kind of education should follow.

Guest speaker Dr Iasonas Lamprianou of the European University in Cyprus warned how using a specific inter-subject comparability method can affect the chances of some students in gaining access to university.