Theresa May's Powerful Speech on Great Meritocracy
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- A Vision for a Meritocratic Britain
- The Frustration of the British People
- Building a Country that Works for Everyone
- The Role of Education in a Meritocratic Society
- The Success of School Reform
- The Importance of Good School Places for Every Child
- The Role of Universities in School Sponsorship
- Promoting Diversity in Faith Schools
- Engaging Independent Schools in Improving Education for All
- The Debate on Selective Schools
- Addressing Concerns about Selective Schools
- Conclusion
A Vision for a Truly Meritocratic Britain
In the summer of my Prime Ministerial term, I articulated my mission to build a country that works for everyone. Today, I want to Delve deeper into this mission and present my vision for a truly meritocratic Britain. As we enter a period of significant change with our departure from the European Union, it is crucial that we redefine our role in the world and reflect on the kind of country we aspire to be. This includes becoming a confident global trading nation while also addressing the concerns of ordinary working class people at home.
The referendum on leaving the European Union was not solely about our membership status. It was a resounding expression of frustration from the British people, who felt ignored and dismissed by the political establishment. Disillusioned by the perceived disregard for their priorities and concerns, many saw the referendum as an opportunity to demand real change. They wanted a government that listens and understands, one that is committed to working for them. This government will deliver that change.
My government's priorities lie with ordinary, working class people. These are individuals who often bear the brunt of life's struggles but persevere without complaint. They diligently perform their jobs, sometimes juggling multiple roles, to support their families and fulfill their responsibilities. These individuals don't ask for much; they simply want to know that the decision-makers in our society are on their side and that everyone plays by the same rules. They aspire to a fair chance for themselves and their children, believing that hard work and commitment should be rewarded.
Unfortunately, the reality for many of these hardworking individuals is that life often feels unfair. They have made sacrifices following the financial crash of 2008, a crisis for which they bore no responsibility. They question whether those truly accountable for the crash have shouldered their fair share of the burden. Moreover, they worry about the changing world and how it may deprive their children and grandchildren of the same opportunities they enjoyed. It is our duty to provide them with a better deal.
To achieve this, we must ask ourselves a fundamental question: what kind of country and society do we want to be? My answer is clear: I want Britain to become the world's great meritocracy, a nation where everyone has a fair chance to succeed Based on their talents and hard work. I envision a country where the same rules Apply to everyone, offering ordinary, working class people more control over their lives and ensuring they can share in the nation's prosperity. In this meritocracy, AdVantage will be based on merit, not privilege. Your talent and hard work will matter, not where you were born, who your parents are, or how you sound.
Creating such a great meritocracy comes with significant challenges and necessitates tackling entrenched interests and barriers built over many years. We must reevaluate our understanding of disadvantage and develop innovative solutions to address the complexity of modern-day challenges. Our government's philosophy must shift, focusing on social reform that extends to every level of society. We need to support not only the poorest but also those working hard and just about managing. By making their lives a little easier and affording them greater control over the issues that matter most to them, we can bring about the change they crave.
While this vision encompasses various aspects of our society, there is perhaps no sector more critical to achieving a meritocratic Britain than education. It is through education that we can ensure equal opportunities for all children and empower them to reach their full potential. Education is the foundation upon which all the other pillars of a meritocratic society will be built.
My government has already achieved considerable success in school reform. We have introduced greater diversity in education provision through free schools and academies, granting teachers and headteachers the autonomy to make decisions that best serve their students. Initiatives focused on literacy and strong academic subjects have equipped children with the foundational knowledge necessary for success. As a result, there are more good or outstanding schools in our country than ever before, and Record numbers of pupils are securing places in top universities.
Despite these achievements, the task is far from complete. Many children still do not have access to a good school place, which remains a central concern for ordinary working class families. At present, there are 1.25 million pupils attending schools rated as requiring improvement or inadequate. Addressing this imbalance requires not only increasing school capacity but also maintaining a commitment to quality education. The government aims to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to develop the crucial academic Core.
In recent years, we have witnessed the positive impact universities can have on schools when they sponsor or support them. Universities possess valuable resources and expertise that can contribute significantly to our education system. Encouraging more universities to get involved in sponsoring state schools and setting up free schools will enhance educational experiences for all students. This collaboration between academia and schools will help Raise standards and encourage the sharing of best practices.
Faith schools also play a vital role in our diverse education system. They are often rated highly by Ofsted and are popular among parents. However, certain barriers prevent the growth of good faith schools, with the 50% rule limiting the admission of pupils based on faith. This rule fails to promote integration effectively, particularly in Catholic schools. By removing this restriction and introducing more inclusive requirements, faith schools can contribute further to our education system while maintaining their distinctive ethos.
Another sector that can significantly impact education is the independent school sector. Many of these schools have a history of giving back to their communities and possess valuable knowledge and resources. By encouraging independent schools to extend their reach and support state schools, we can diversify provision and provide greater opportunities for children from ordinary working class families. Amending Charity Commission guidance will ensure that these schools contribute proportionally to promote social mobility and meritocracy.
The debate surrounding selective schools has long been contentious. However, it is essential to view this discussion through the lens of creating a truly meritocratic society. The argument that selection favors the wealthy and denies opportunities to disadvantaged children is flawed. In reality, selective schools have proven to reduce the attainment gap and consistently achieve outstanding results. Instead of blocking access to selective education, we should ensure that these schools are diverse and accessible to all. By relaxing restrictive measures, we can leverage the benefits of selective schools while demanding their contribution to raising outcomes for all pupils.
In conclusion, my vision for a truly meritocratic Britain hinges on providing every child with a good school place and cultivating an education system that caters to individual needs. By engaging stakeholders such as universities, faith schools, and independent schools, we can harness the collective power of our education system. This approach fosters collaboration, promotes diversity, and aligns with the ethos of a meritocracy where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The Journey towards a great meritocracy is not without challenges, but it is a journey we must embark upon for the sake of our country and all its citizens.
