Do you want a revolution?

Today has been a day of radio interviews accompanying the second phase of Edge’s ‘revolution’ campaign. Our news story, linked to a survey of over 1000 parents of 11-16 year-olds attending secondary school, has also appeared in the Sun, Mirror and Metro. Essentially, the revolution campaign is saying that we need to transform education. And the transformation Edge is seeking? Simply that we need to make sure that we develop the very diverse interests, intelligences and talents of our young people.

This means we must ensure there are many high quality paths to success – not just a traditional, largely classroom-based, theoretical or academic route. QED. If we do not bring about this change then we will continue to find a young person’s educational success primarily dependent upon to whom and where they are born – this is morally unacceptable in a civilized advanced society. Also it will be economic suicide. The UK operates in a global economy, with a global talent pool, and limited natural resources – developing everyone’s talents and potential is critical to future economic success. QED.

So what do the parents say? 28% say the education system is not working for their child, and this rises to around 40% for those with 15 and 16 year-olds. And when we asked them whether they would be in favour of a ‘revolution in education’, 47% agreed with this powerful call to action (many more than disagreed). Other key findings were that 43% did not feel that the education system was adequately preparing their children for the world of work, and 42% had similarly negative feelings about preparation for life. 42% believed that only academically-minded children do well at school, and 48% replied that they would like more practical and vocational learning alongside academic studies.

All this may sound rather doom-laden but it is not meant to be – because I think the necessary changes are already happening. The signs of spring are around. However, in contrast to the real seasons, for educational summer to arrive we have to decide we want it – and what that summer would look like. I would be very interested to hear what it you think it would look like. We are inviting everyone to have their say and join the revolution at http://edge.co.uk/revolution