18 November 2005
Tony Blair says a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity exists to improve Britain’s schools.
In a major speech in his Sedgefield constituency, the PM said education was ‘the spark that can light a love of learning.’
Reflecting on the changes proposed in the government’s recent schools White Paper, Mr Blair said they were about ‘releasing the energy, inside and outside the school system.’
Public services needed ‘flexibility, diversity and an opening up of ideas and innovation’ if they are to flourish.
The White Paper proposes changes to the way schools run themselves, while offering more power and choice for parents, as well as personalised lessons and improved discipline.
He reassured people that there would still be a role for local authories in education provision - giving them a chance to ‘reinvent themselves as champions of the needs of pupils and parents.’
"We know what learning brings: horizons broaden; imaginations are fired; confidence and ambition take root.
"We cannot hope to prosper, as a nation, if we do not educate all our citizens properly.
"That is why I am so restless for change… for all the progress, still 40,000 children leave school every year without any qualifications at all; I cannot rest; I will not; until we do all in our power to change that failure."
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