We’re delighted to hear Lucy Powell’s ambition to “hardwire” oracy into the national curriculum – set out today in a speech at the Confederation of Schools Trust conference. 

The Secretary of State reconfirmed the government’s commitment to giving oracy equal status to reading and writing, by making speaking, listening and communication “a core part of every child’s education”. 

Like Lucy, we know the transformative impact a high-quality oracy education can have for young people – giving them the skills they need to reach their full potential in school, but also to build relationships and feel like they belong. These skills are essential for preparing young people for a future where they can thrive in work and in life. 

Seeing this level of commitment from the government is brilliant. Now the focus must shift to making this a reality – ensuring teachers and schools receive the training and support they need to truly embed oracy at every stage of education. We look forward to the release of the new national curriculum and oracy framework which will shape how oracy education is put into practice in schools. 

Voice 21’s Education Director, Amy Gaunt, welcomed the news on Radio 5 Live, saying: “By making sure that, right from reception to when young people leave our schools and colleges, we are threading through oracy, we are making sure that [they] are really confident and able to go out into the world, to advocate for themselves, to listen to others, to disagree agreeably. Ultimately, that’s going to make society a better place.”

Charles Hewitt, Head Teacher of Fender Primary School in Birkenhead, a Voice 21 Oracy School, talked to Radio 4’s Today programme about the difference oracy has made in his school: “It’s how children learn […] We have seen the impact on academic outcomes; we have seen our curriculum elevated, and we’ve improved pastoral support. And it can offer that missing link of inclusion, of every child having their voice heard, and I think, crucially, the belief that every child thinks that their voice is important.” 

While Geoff Barton, a former headteacher and leader of the Association of School and College Leaders, and Chair of the Oracy Commission, talked to LBC about why prioritising oracy is so important right now: “Those young people at 16 who are going to get the vote in a couple of years – it’s never been more important that we can listen and disagree agreeably, because it’s a fundamental part of our democracy. So this is good news for young people, good news for teachers; we are going to have young people who are more engaged in their lessons, and it’s good news for our communities and society as a whole.”