Education secretary Nadhim Zahawi has used his maiden speech in his new role at the Conservative Party Conference to promise a schools White Paper tackling “illiteracy and innumeracy” in the new year.
Mr Zahawi also promised to “relentlessly drive up standards” in his role.
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“We are investing a record £180 million in developing and deepening the expertise of the brilliant men and women who care for and educate our children,” he said.
“And our ambition is not simply to recover but to build back better.
“That is why I will bring forward a schools White Paper in the new year outlining plans to tackle innumeracy and illiteracy.
“We will relentlessly drive up standards, building back a better and fairer school system.
“I will work tirelessly to spread opportunity and unleash the brilliance of the young people of this country,” he added.
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Mr Zahawi also paid tribute to his teachers during the speech.
“At the age of 11, I was sat at the back of a classroom unable to speak a word of English,” he said.
“But with the support and guidance of my teachers, I began to speak the language, think in the language and, most importantly of all, read the language.
“Those kind, patient, teachers threw open the doors of my mind, and because of what they did for me, I am able to proudly stand before you as the member of Parliament for Shakespeare’s Stratford and the new secretary of state for education in Her Majesty’s government.
“My own experience has formed what I believe about education. Talent and potential exist in all corners of our country,” he said.
“But that great untapped resource needs unlocking.”
Shadow education secretary Kate Green said: “The education secretary cannot claim to champion children’s education whilst closing doors and shutting off opportunities.
“Labour has set out a clear plan to deliver a world-class education for every child. From extending the school day for new activities, to recruiting new teachers to fill skills gaps and vacancies and delivering careers advice and work experience,
“Labour’s plan would set all young people up for life. It’s time the Conservatives match this ambition for our children’s futures.”
Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the NEU teachers’ union, said: “The education secretary has a great opportunity to improve the life chances of children and young people as we move through the pandemic.
“He will need to address the historical problems of school and college underfunding and child poverty ,as well as those issues that have arisen since the pandemic
“Nadhim Zahawi is right that early years, the curriculum and teacher recruitment are vitally important if children and young people are to get the education they deserve.
“Teachers see the impact of a system where 40 per cent of educational inequality is set by the time children are 5. Levelling up must mean addressing social deprivation for young children and their families, as well as ensuring a fully funded early years sector that provides every child access to good quality early years education.
“If the government fails to save high-quality nursery education, it will irrevocably harm the educational outcomes and life chances of millions of children across the country.
“None of this can be done on the cheap, nor should this be done without consultation with the profession”.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, said: “In his speech today, the secretary of state recognised the transformative impact that great teaching makes, and we welcome his clear commitment to unleashing the potential of all young people in this country.
“We hope his commitment to being evidence-led signals a clear intent to listen to professionals working in and around schools.”
