Greens promise £8 billion investment, scrapping tuition fees, and improving student well-being through various initiatives
The Green Party has unveiled an ambitious £8 billion education plan, pledging to abolish Ofsted and SATs testing in favour of continuous assessment. As part of their wider educational reform, the Greens also propose to eliminate tuition fees, introduce free school meals for all children, and ensure every school and college has a qualified counsellor.
Co-leader Carla Denyer described the Green Party’s proposals as an “A-star offering” that is “fully inclusive and costed,” aimed at relieving pressures in the education system while improving student and teacher well-being.
“Greens want to replace high-stakes SATs testing with a system of continuous assessment, and abolish Ofsted to reduce stress in schools,” Denyer explained. “This approach will provide a more supportive, holistic education for all children, treating arts and vocational subjects equally alongside traditional academic subjects.”
In addition, the Greens plan to tackle child poverty by scrapping the two-child benefit cap, increasing Universal Credit by £40 a week, and providing free school meals for every child, ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial barriers.
The proposal also includes significant investment in special needs provision, with a £5 billion boost to help children with special educational needs and disabilities. The party wants to increase funding for schools, especially those needing urgent repairs such as those with Raac concrete, to the tune of £2.5 billion.
On post-16 education, Denyer said the Green Party would restore the education maintenance allowance and end the marketisation of universities, which they argue has led to financial crises and left students burdened with debts. The Greens propose a major overhaul, including the scrapping of tuition fees and the reintroduction of maintenance grants.
“By reforming the tax system to be fairer and greener, we can generate the necessary funding for these initiatives,” Denyer said, emphasising the importance of a long-term, sustainable solution.
The Green Party’s plan aims to address the systemic issues facing education in the UK, putting a greater focus on inclusion, well-being, and sustainability. Denyer concluded by calling on Labour to consider the Green Party’s ideas for more adequately funded support for both students and teachers.
