A Brighter Future for Education
Manny Botwe
ASCL President 2024/25
As your ASCL President, I am filled with pride and optimism about the future of education, despite the challenges we face. It is an honour to serve an organisation that leads the way in advocating for policies that are practical and beneficial and truly serve the needs of our schools, colleges, students, and communities. As school and college leaders we are hardwired in our commitment to providing every child with the best possible education, regardless of their background or circumstances. This is why my presidential theme for the year is ‘A Brighter Future’. I believe that, together, we can create an education system where every child has the very best possible opportunity to thrive.
The recently proposed Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, while well-intentioned, still leaves us unclear about what the government's overall vision is for education. While we acknowledge the difficulties in our current system – such as underfunding, staff shortages, and the barriers faced by youngsters who have additional learning needs – we must remain hopeful. The great Reverend Desmond Tutu once said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” This hope is what drives us forward, as we work to create positive change for everyone in education.
This year’s ASCL Annual Conference is a great opportunity for us to collaborate and shape the future of education, bringing together education leaders to discuss, network and share best practice on the most pressing issues we face as leaders. Yet again some of the most influential figures in the education system will be in attendance, including the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson; Ofsted's Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver; and Professor Becky Francis, Chair of the Curriculum and Assessment Review. This provides ASCL with the privileged position of being able to influence the government to ensure a fairer, more inclusive education system.
Together, we can make a real difference. Let’s move forward with hope and determination, ready to shape a brighter future for our children.