The Conservative approach has led to significant improvements in England’s international education rankings. Under our policies, England’s performance in the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has seen a notable rise. For instance, England now ranks 11th in the world for maths, up from 27th in 2009, and has also shown strong performance in reading and science.

Nick Gibb’s advocacy for phonics has markedly improved reading standards among English schoolchildren. This method has helped England achieve high rankings in international literacy assessments, with English children rated as the best in the West for literacy.

We have expanded the academies programme, allowing schools to gain independence from local authority control. This move has given schools more autonomy over their decision-making, which has been instrumental in improving educational outcomes and fostering innovation in the education sector.

Reforms to the national curriculum have focused on learning facts over skills and project-based work, alongside the introduction of tougher GCSE exams. These changes have helped to raise academic standards and ensure that students receive a more robust and rigorous education.

Since 2010, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of state-funded schools in England rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted, rising from 68% to 90%. This improvement reflects the overall enhancement in school quality and management under Conservative policies.

We have established 40 maths hubs across England to raise standards in maths teaching. This initiative aims to improve maths skills from an early age, ensuring that students develop a strong foundation in this critical subject. These hubs provide specialised training and resources for teachers, contributing to England’s improved international rankings in maths.

We have placed a strong emphasis on vocational education and skills development. Initiatives such as the introduction and expansion of apprenticeships have provided valuable pathways for students who prefer practical, hands-on learning experiences over traditional academic routes. This focus on skills and apprenticeships has helped to address the skills gap in the workforce, providing young people with the tools and opportunities needed for successful careers in various industries.