As election fever grips the nation and the 7th of May looms, thoughts turn to what the future holds for education.

Over the next few pages, we will look at the pre-manifestos offered by Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and UKIP.

So, in no particular order…

Quick jump:   UKIP   Green Party   Labour   Conservatives   Liberal Democrats

The Green Party believes that education should provide everyone with the knowledge and range of skills they require to participate fully in society and lead a fulfilled life. The Green Party rejects market-driven models of education that see education only in terms of international economic competitiveness and preparation for work.

A selection of Green Party Policy statements have said:

• Education is a right and an entitlement, and should be free at the point of delivery to people of all ages.
• The National Curriculum will be replaced by a set of learning entitlements, in the context of which learners and teachers together will develop curriculum content to suit their needs and interests.
• The Green Party will abolish external SATS exams, the Year 1 phonics test and league tables in their current form.
• The Green Party will allow no new grammar schools, and will gradually integrate grammar and secondary modern schools into the comprehensive system.
• It will replace Ofsted with an independent National Council of Educational Excellence which would have regional officers tasked to work closely with local authorities. The National Council would be closely affiliated with the National Federation for Educational Research (NFER).
• The Party will encourage mixed ability learning in all schools as far as possible; evidence shows that the overall standard of achievement is higher where people are educated in mixed-ability environments.
• The Greens will abolish the requirement for a compulsory daily act of worship. Schools that choose to continue to hold acts of worship will provide an alternative activity for learners who choose not to take part. Pupils who do not participate in worship will not suffer any form of discrimination.
• It will be a minimum requirement that all children are given – free of charge – a balanced, nutritious lunch including local and organic non-GM food that is free from additives. Vegetarian, vegan, religious and other dietary requirements will be catered for.

Next Party:   Labour

Do these policies cover everything you want to see?

If not, take a look at the alternative policies — these were provided by some of the country’s leading educationalists who work with Osiris Educational. We asked them what policies they would bring in if they were Education Secretary. The results are thought-provoking and centred upon what is best for the learning of all children.

Osiris Educational is a non-party political company and no bias or endorsement of any political party is implied. Research conducted January 2015 and correct at time of print. All the five main parties were contacted to offer them the chance to tell us about their education policies. Information presented here is either directly in response to this request or based on the information provided by the parties’ websites and documentation.