Raising attainment and standards are identified as “top priorities” by Wales’ Education Minister, as reported by Wales Online. Education Minister Lynne Neagle has reiterated her commitment to improving school attainment, with a focus on enhancing literacy, numeracy, and attendance, as well as narrowing the attainment gap between children from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Neagle highlighted the additional support allocated for the new curriculum and the increase in the Pupil Development Grant to bridge this gap. Additionally, with the extension of free school meals to all primary aged pupils starting in September, Neagle emphasized the importance of continuing to monitor the attainment of children eligible under the previous system.
Neagle expressed her unwavering dedication to elevating attainment and standards, stressing the significance of attendance in achieving these goals. As the chair of a task force on attendance established by the Welsh Government, Neagle emphasized the need for swift action through initiatives like family engagement officers. During a visit to Pencoed Comprehensive School in Bridgend to witness students receiving their GCSE results, Neagle acknowledged the educational challenges brought about by the pandemic, acknowledging the impact of masks, remote learning, and disrupted school routines.
In delivering her message of congratulations to the students for their hard work and resilience, Neagle praised the efforts of teachers in supporting learners amid the pandemic. She commended the students for reaching this significant milestone and recognised the expected outcomes similar to those of 2019. Neagle also expressed gratitude towards the education workforce for their dedication to student success. Amid these efforts, Neagle underlined the need to maintain momentum in raising standards and ensuring student achievements in the wake of unprecedented disruptions in education.
The Education Minister’s emphasis on improving literacy, numeracy, and attendance underscores the ongoing commitment to enhancing educational outcomes for all students in Wales. Neagle’s visit to Pencoed Comprehensive School not only celebrated the students’ achievements but also highlighted the collective support and dedication required to navigate the challenges of the past years. As Wales aims to elevate standards and bridge educational disparities, Neagle’s steadfast focus on student attainment sets a promising trajectory for the future of Welsh education.