What consideration has the Minister given to the findings in the Institute for Fiscal Studies report Major Challenges for Education in Wales, in particular the indication that lower performance is likely to reflect longstanding differences in policy and approach?
Ahead of the pandemic, Wales was the only country in the UK improving standards in literacy, numeracy and science in PISA tests. We recognise that the pandemic has had a detrimental impact. The attainment of our learners is a key priority for me and I will set out what more we will do to address this over the course of this term.
The Curriculum for Wales is designed to raise standards and aspirations for all. It draws on a range of expert international evidence to equip our learners with the skills they need for the future. Of course, this is supported by a wider range of policy reforms, including professional learning and school improvement. PISA’s analysis indicates that stronger-performing systems tended to provide higher autonomy to schools, and this is the direction the reforms are taking.