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

Labour will raise teaching standards in all schools, ensure all teachers are qualified, and transform vocational education for the forgotten 50 per cent who do not go to university.

The next Labour government will focus on driving up teaching quality. They will immediately put an end to the watering-down of standards under this government, by requiring that all teachers in state-funded schools are or become qualified.

They will trust teachers in every school to innovate and raise standards, and ensure all teachers are given greater opportunities to further their career progression and development, with new career paths for teachers who want to specialise in a particular subject or teaching practice.

This will ensure that the best teachers have the opportunities to progress in their career without being taken out of the classroom.

Labour asked David Blunkett to undertake a review to advise on the best way to ensure proper oversight of all schools, whatever their type, so standards are raised. Labour will take forward David’s core recommendation: to introduce new Directors of School Standards (DSS) in every local area. These new DSS will broker collaboration between schools, bring in school improvement services and outside expertise, help draw up school improvement plans, and listen and act on the concerns of parents.

Labour would put an end to this government’s fragmented, divisive school system. Rather than denying maintained schools the freedoms to raise standards, Labour would extend the freedoms of academies to all schools. And they will put things right for the young people who don’t go to university – the forgotten 50 per cent.

They will create a clear vocational route through school and college, introducing a Technical Baccalaureate at 18 – a gold standard qualification that will act as a stepping stone into an apprenticeship, further study or skilled work.

Labour will put the teaching of character, resilience, creativity and moral purpose at the heart of our vision for schooling. Schools will be given the tools to help shape young people into well-rounded individuals, better prepared for the challenges of life and work in the 21st century.

Next Party:   Conservatives

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.