Education Commission launched in Oxfordshire
An Education Commission, tasked with further improving educational outcomes for all children and young people, is being launched by Oxfordshire County Council.
The commission will speak to all interested and concerned parties about what a world class education system might look like for Oxfordshire and what needs to change to make it happen.
Oxfordshire’s Education Commission will be independent and will listen to the voices of young people and their families, educators, businesses and wider stakeholders. It will take evidence from a wide a range of sources, gathering views and experiences.
The commission will be independently chaired by Gail Tolley.
Gail is an experienced former director of children’s services who, until recently, chaired the Association of Directors of Children’s Services Educational Achievement Policy Committee.
She is a member of the advisory board of the Rees Centre (Department of Education) at the University of Oxford. She is also a trustee of Ormiston Families and a governor of the Museum of London.
Gail said: “I am looking forward to working with commission members and stakeholders to support further improvements in educational outcomes for all of Oxfordshire’s children and young people. This is an exciting and timely opportunity to review and enhance local arrangements for collaboration and sustained success. The ambition of local young residents will be matched by that of the commission.”
Councillor Liz Brighouse, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Youth Services, said: “Currently 92 per cent of Oxfordshire pupils attend schools that are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. Nationally the figure is 87 per cent.
“But we are determined to do even better. There is a gap in educational attainment for some of our most disadvantaged children and those children with special educational needs and disabilities. The Education Commission will allow Oxfordshire to reflect, further develop what’s working well, and learn from good practice both locally and across the country.”
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