BRADFORD was represented at a national event discussing the state of secondary education.

A teacher and student from the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust were invited to take part in a roundtable as part of the House of Lords Education for 11-16 Year Olds committee inquiry into the state of secondary education

The committee is considering the current condition of education for 11–16-year-olds in England, looking at topics including the range and breadth of subjects in the curriculum, the effectiveness of GCSEs, and how well the system is equipping young people with the skills they will need for the future.

Mr Ingle, a Physical Education teacher and senior leader at Immanuel College, and Esha, a pupil at Belle Vue Girls' Academy, were invited to take part in two special roundtables as part of the committee’s inquiry.

One roundtable was made up of teachers, and one of students, from all across the country.

Both Mr Ingle and Esha shared their views, reflected on their experiences, and expressed ideas regarding the secondary education system. Their input will now be reflected in the committee's report when it is published in December 2023.

Speaking on the experience, Mr Ingle, senior leader at Immanuel College, said: “It was a great experience being part of the House of Lords roundtable debate.

"To have the opportunity to discuss current educational issues with colleagues with different roles and responsibilities across a variety of settings was extremely insightful. 

"Although education has endured some difficult times during and post-pandemic, it is evident that such positive discussions such as the roundtable debate continue to exist to help shape the future for all students across the UK.”

Esha added: “Attending a meeting for the House of Lords’ roundtable was very useful, not only from a personal view on my own learning but to also realise that many schools and students could relate with similar educational experiences.

"Students from Year 11 to Year 13 discussed their perspectives on how well the curriculum equips students for their future on the availability of subjects to study for their GCSEs.”

Lord Watson of Invergowrie, a member of the committee, said: “We are really grateful to the young people who participated in the session.

"Their contributions were candid, insightful and articulately expressed, and will be a valuable addition to the evidence we have gathered from other witnesses during our inquiry.”