The Milburn review confirms a reality we’ve long known: there are far too many barriers to young people getting into work. The problem isn’t their aspirations or the dedication of their teachers – the system is letting them down.

With over a million young people currently not in employment, education or training, this must be a turning point. While the issues are complex, education is a vital piece of the puzzle.

From a decade of working with over 2,000 schools, we know that oracy – articulating ideas, developing understanding and engaging with others through speaking, listening and communication – is fundamental to a child’s life chances. It is the bridge to the workplace that employers are crying out for, and it’s crucial for academic success. But it’s more than that: it’s about belonging, confidence, and ensuring every young person knows their voice matters.

The Government’s recent steps to embed oracy more deeply in the curriculum are welcome, but as the review points out, these changes only work if they actually change what it’s like for a child to be in school.

At Voice 21, we see how high-quality oracy education transforms that experience for children and young people every day. It moves talk from a “nice to have” to its rightful place at the heart of a child’s education, as essential as literacy and numeracy.

We look forward to contributing to the Milburn enquiry to ensure oracy takes its place in a total system reset – ensuring every child has the education they need to thrive in school, work, and life.