This year we’re attending the Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative Party conferences. In this blog Jane Fernandes, Collective Action and Advocacy Manager, reflects on her experience of the 2024 Conservative Party Conference. 

The Conservative Party Conference brought an end to the UK party conference season for another year. This conference was set against the backdrop of the Conservative Party leadership contest which gave energy to the conference of a party who have recently lost power after 14 years of government. Thankfully, despite the buzz surrounding the four leadership candidates, there was a great deal of focus on education. At all the panels I attended, there was a sense of soul searching among Conservative Party Ministers, MPs, officials and members about what was needed to be impactful in their new role as party of the opposition.

Spotlight on education

Bright and early on Monday morning we held an event with Education Policy Institute and Teach First: Spotlight on education: learning as a lever to tackle society’s biggest challenges. The panel featured Russell Hobby (Teach First Chief Executive), Carole Willis (CEO at the National Foundation for Education Research), Kully Uppal (Deputy CEO of Summit Learning Trust) and Ryan Tovey, one of our valued Youth Steering Group members. Natalie Perera (CEO of Education Policy Institute) chaired.

After covering the topics of economic growth, AI, climate change and the rapid rate of societal change, all panelists were asked what they would most want to see the Conservative Party asking for from the opposition:

Carole Willis: funding more research

Kully Uppal: staff recruitment and retention

Russell Hobby: devolve power to schools

Ryan Tovey: support for young carers

Conference Themes: FEA’s Priorities in the Spotlight

Throughout the conference, it was encouraging to see our key priority areas and recommendations from our Priorities for a New Government woven throughout different conversations including:

1.         Teacher recruitment and retention

The importance of supporting and respecting teachers, alongside creating systems in which they can effectively lead in their classrooms, schools and trusts without burning out was a strong thread throughout panels on all topics. Investing in flexible working approaches to aid retention (and crucially let’s not neglect to say teacher wellbeing!) was reiterated. I was delighted to hear our recommendation on creating school cultures which supports new parent teachers and teachers with young families being mentioned in various spaces.

2.         SEND

“While EPI do not use the word ‘crisis’ lightly, the SEND system in England is at crisis point” – these were the opening words of a panel from the chair, CEO of EPI and FEA trustee, Natalie Perera.

The issue of SEND appears to be at political tipping point. With packed out rooms for panels on the topic, and passionate pleas from parents, councilors, sector experts and even MPs, this appeared at conference as a strong a cross-party issue. With the new energy of a Labour Government and pressure on local authority finances we are likely to see action on this during this Labour term. What I hope we will see from the Conservative Party in opposition is a push for the Government to be bold in how they deal with a growing problem that has not been given the serious attention it needs for too long.

The need to support children with SEND is woven throughout our Priorities for a New Government because it influences everything. Join us in advocating for a better future for children with SEND. To get involved, reach out at info@faireducation.org.uk and be part of the solution.

Youth Engagement

One of the four key pillars of our work at the Fair Education Alliance is including young people in policy conversations, where decisions which impact them are shaped. We were delighted to give three other young people, as well as Ryan, their first experience of a party conference. Amidst meeting famous conservative politicians, they asked pertinent and punchy questions during panel sessions. Including a diverse range of perspectives brings vitality to panel discussions and Q&As; it reminds the professionals in the room to remember the “real-life” young people who are impacted by the policies we are debating.

Having the opportunity to attend the conference was a valuable experience. I was able to listen to and engage in conversations where various perspectives were discussed, allowing me to gain greater insight into the political system. It was great to ask panelists questions about previous and existing policies, and plans for the future. Being able to represent the FEA and share our main policy asks with policy makers and people at grassroots level was incredibly fulfilling as it created a space for further exchange. - Jayden

Having the experience to speak at the Conservative Party Conference on Monday was amazing. It allowed me to share my story with many different people and allowed networking opportunities with other young people and charities across the UK. - Ryan

I really enjoyed my time at the conference , it was something I’d never done before. I sat down at various panels speaking on several issues present in the education system and it was interesting to see the point of view of people throughout the sector , from pupils themselves to members of parliament. - Hayden

Attending the Conservative Party Conference was an interesting experience that broadened my perspective on various national issues I wouldn’t hear in my vicinity. I found the panel on criminal justice reform particularly fascinating. The discussion about creating a system that truly benefits everyone emphasized the importance of thoughtful policy-making. Also the Sutton Trust event was really interesting as a participant , and hearing different viewpoints on these topics reinforced the need for comprehensive solutions. Overall, it was a valuable opportunity to engage with critical issues in a meaningful way. - Angel

 What’s next?

In the next few weeks, we will have a much clearer picture of the Conservative party’s direction and leadership structure and what role they will play in debating the future of education in England. We’ll continue to work across the political spectrum to collectively advocate for the best education system for all our children and young people.