Parents feel politicians let them down on education

The majority of British parents believe politicians do not represent their children’s education needs, according to a survey by Edge.

Research by the independent education foundation shows parents feel they are misunderstood by politicians, with 70 per cent having no confidence they understand education matters.

Almost nine in ten say political parties are guilty of over-promising on education just to secure votes, and roughly three quarters believe they are out of touch with the education system as a whole.

“The message is clear – British parents know what they want for their children when it comes to education, but currently none of the parties are meeting their expectations. The policy makers are making these decisions for their children now, which is why now is the time for parents to act. We want an education system that recognises that there are many paths to success, nurturing the individual interests and talents of the nation’s young people,” says Edge’s chief executive, Andy Powell.

The survey, which sampled just more than 1000 parents with children aged between seven and 16, also found over a third feel Labour has failed to live up to its manifesto promise of placing education as its number one priority. Only 19 per cent of parents believe Labour will improve education if elected again, compared with 11 per cent for the Liberal Democrats and 29 per cent for the Conservatives. However, although the Tories gained the lion’s share, half of those surveyed also expect them not to fulfil their pledge to make education a priority.

Mr Powell added: “Education is not a political football, to be kicked around between parties for political gain – the future of the nation’s youth is at stake. I urge all parents to visit the Edge website, have their say, and get their voices heard by the right people.”

(Pictured: Andy Powell, chief executive of Edge)