Education secretary Gavin Williamson faced some tough questions on his record during the pandemic this morning, including what “grade” he would give himself for leadership of the schools system.
The question was put to him on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme by host Nick Robinson, who said: “This is about leadership and I’m afraid you will know that many people have decided that you are not showing enough of that.
“If there were a test for leadership of our schools system, what grade would you give yourself?”
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He replied: “Well, my focus is just about getting out there and doing the job. I’ll let other people do the grading but my focus is just trying to make sure that, at every stage, we deliver as much as we can do for children.”
Williamson was asked about his handling of education policy during the coronavirus crisis, which has been described in recent days as “chaotic” and “deeply frustrating” by headteachers and teachers, following last-minute U-turns on school reopenings, exams and testing plans.
He also said he hopes that schools can reopen before Easter and pledged to give teachers a “clear two weeks’” notice of any such decision.
Meanwhile, over on Good Morning Britain, Mr Williamson avoided questions about whether he had offered his resignation and what it would take for him to resign.