Full Breakdown
Green Party Leader Critiques Government's Schools White Paper at NEU Conference
3/31/2026, 5:32:16 AM
Criticism of the Schools White Paper
Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, delivered a critical address at the National Education Union's (NEU) annual conference in Brighton, asserting that the government's new schools White Paper will "entrench failings" in the education system. He emphasized that the proposed policy of mandating every school to join an academy trust undermines accountability to local authorities and communities. Polanski described academy trusts as a "failed model" driven by previous governments' ideological agendas to marketize education. He stated, “This government came in promising to fix the failings in the system, but the new schools White Paper would entrench them.”
Concerns Over School Funding and Teacher Pay
Polanski highlighted the pressing issue of school funding, which he described as being "stretched to breaking point." He criticized successive governments for praising teachers while failing to provide adequate financial support. The Green Party's 2024 election manifesto proposes an increase in school funding by £8 billion and an additional £2 billion for teacher pay. He posed a rhetorical question regarding the necessity of this investment, asking, “How can we afford not to make this investment?”
The Impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis
In his speech, Polanski also addressed the broader societal issues affecting education, labeling the current situation a "crisis of childhood." He pointed to challenges such as inadequate housing and the inability of families to afford essential resources, which hinder children's learning and development. He expressed concern that many children are being denied opportunities that could transform their lives through education.
Opposition to High-Stakes Testing and Ofsted
Polanski reiterated the Green Party's commitment to abolishing high-stakes testing in schools, arguing that such assessments harm student well-being and fail to accurately measure progress. He criticized the government's decision to maintain primary school testing and introduce new assessments in Year 8, which he believes will increase pressure on students and teachers. Furthermore, he condemned Ofsted, the school inspection body, as a "toxic, failed institution," advocating for a shift towards a more collaborative model of school evaluation.
Official Statements & Responses
Polanski's remarks received strong support from NEU delegates, who voted to oppose the government's plans for high-stakes testing and the continued existence of Ofsted. NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede noted that recent polling indicated a shift in support among union members, with the Green Party emerging as the preferred choice over Labour.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This government came in promising to fix the failures in the system but their schools white paper will only entrench them.” — Zack Polanski, Green Party Leader
- “We are not expanding opportunity in this country. We’re shrinking it.” — Zack Polanski, Green Party Leader
- “It breaks my heart to think of the children and young people who in 2026 could have their lives changed by education in the way that I did, but are right now having those doors slammed in their face because governments refuse to find the money.” — Zack Polanski, Green Party Leader
- “We need to end the Ofsted era entirely and move towards a genuinely collaborative model, one that connects teachers on the frontline with local experts - specialists in pedagogy, child development and social care,” — Zack Polanski, Green Party Leader
What's Next
As the education sector awaits the Department for Education's response to the School Teachers’ Review Body’s recommendations for teacher pay, the Green Party is poised to continue advocating for significant reforms in education policy, including increased funding and the abolition of high-stakes testing and Ofsted.
