Education is the fundamental precursor for turbocharging social mobility across Britain. In a 21st century all about human capital, that will see countries succeed or fail based on their ability to unlock talent, it matters more than ever.
More talent developed and connected to opportunity equals more success for Britain. Social mobility, levelling up, equality of opportunity – whatever your preferred language is – is about a level playing field for everyone when it comes to opportunity. Growing up in Rotherham I never demanded more opportunity than my more privileged peers elsewhere, I just didn’t see why I should have less. I think people see it just the same today.
Improving social mobility is a complex policy agenda to deliver, with lots of different actors at different times – including parents and family networks, civil society, local and regional government and employers. But Westminster policymakers should recognise that there is one crucial piece of the jigsaw that the public hugely relies on the government to deliver: education.
With the exception of the wealthiest who can afford private education for better outcomes for their own children, the rest of us are reliant on state education to develop our knowledge, skills and talent.
