Minsterial address Vernon Coaker MP

Vernon Coaker MP Minister of State for Schools and Learners.

The Minister spoke of the high regard that school leaders were held in by the public, universal respect and admiration with over 80% of parents trusting school leaders. He went on to mention the support that the government had given including a 30% rise on salaries, the establishment and growth of the school business manager role, the introduction of the National agreement aimed at reducing the hours worked by school leaders. He also talked of the challenges following the economic downturn and of the new White Paper that puts school leaders at the centre of policy. Partnerships were key and the move to a more outward focussed leadership presented many opportunties. Good schools raised attainment and self esteem not just in their schools but in the wider community.
He stressed the need to reduce the pressure on Primary Schools and singled out school business managers for contributing to reduced school leader workload. Following his address the Minister took questions from the audience . A recording of the full address is available from the college website at www.nationalcollege.org.uk