Welsh Government
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OECD review of education in Wales welcomed by Minister
The publication of a major international review of education in Wales has been welcomed by Education and Skills Minister Huw Lewis
Improving Schools in Wales: An OECD Perspective was commissioned by the Welsh Government in December 2012.
The OECD were asked to provide an external assessment of the quality and equity of education outcomes in Wales; expert analysis of key aspects of education policy and to highlight areas of policy and its implementation which might add value and improve education outcomes for young people in Wales.
Speaking on the findings of the report Huw Lewis said:
"I’d like to personally thank the OECD for this comprehensive and exacting report. It’s important if you want to be the best that you learn from the best.
"I welcome the report’s findings and am heartened that we’re already doing much of what has been recommended as part of our reform of education standards in Wales. It’s good to see that the direction of travel we’ve set is the right one.
"I was particularly encouraged to see the sentence which says – ‘Welsh schools are also positive learning environments with good teacher-student relations and classrooms conducive to learning.’ That’s good news.
"I take on board the recommendations which call for improvements to teacher training and Continuing Professional Development. I agree with the need for stronger school to school collaboration; improved school leadership and raising the esteem in which out teachers are held. These are central to our school improvement agenda."The call for a small number of clear, long term objectives is sound. I whole heartedly agree that we should have high expectations all of our leaners, regardless of their background, if they are to gain the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in life.
"We know the challenges we face in Wales, the report provides no surprises in that regard.
"My overall goal for education in Wales is simple. I want to make sure that every child and young person has a world class education and can then go on and compete within the global market. Anything less than this is simply unacceptable.“
OECD’s Beatriz Pont, Sr Policy Analyst leading the OECD-Wales Review commented:
"Wales should keep its focus on a long-term and sustained school improvement strategy: investing in the teaching and school leadership profession and ensuring that schools and their staff can respond to the learning needs of all their students, underpinned by a coherent evaluation and assessment framework."
The Minister will attend the OECD’s Education Policy Committee Meeting in Paris to discuss the report’s findings at the end of the week.
