| answer text |
<p>The department does not design education policy that exclusively targets certain
groups of pupils with characteristics that are protected by the Equality Act 2010,
including policy based on gender. We are committed to providing high quality education
and training for everyone, whatever their background or personal characteristics.</p><p>Since
2010, the government has pursued a reform agenda to drive up academic standards for
all and level up for the most disadvantaged pupils. When it comes to raising standards,
evidence shows that teachers are the most important in-school factor affecting pupils’
education. In June 2021, the department announced an investment of over £250 million
in the National Professional Qualifications and Early Career Framework programmes
which are based on the best available evidence and have been developed in partnership
with the Education Endowment Foundation. In addition, in October the department announced
a Levelling Up Premium worth up to £3,000 tax-free for maths, physics, chemistry and
computing teachers in years 1 to 5 of their careers. This will support recruitment
and retention of specialist teachers in these subjects and in the schools and areas
that need them most. Through this, the department is committed to helping tackle the
education gap for all pupils.</p><p> </p>
|
|
