The Future of Education Policy: Panel & Discussion

In a country where the wealth gap is ever increasing, what does the landscape of UK education look like in 2025?

The School of Politics & Economics and School of Education, Communication & Society are teaming up to host a panel event exploring the future of education in the UK, with a particular focus on students from widening participation and state school backgrounds. The purpose of the event is to provide insights from a range of panelists working in the education sector, giving space for students to engage in discussions around ongoing work in the field.

Panelists

Michael Bennett – Associate Director, Social Mobility & Widening Participation at King's

Miguel Herdade – Director, The Access Project

Natalie Ohene - Senior Policy Manager, Education Endowment Foundation

Rose Stephenson – Director of Policy and Advocacy, Higher Education Policy Institute.

We will also be joined by student representatives of the KCLSU 93% Club.

The above panellists will bring their research, lived experience and expertise to discuss the following topics:

• Accountability of Labour’s new budget and the impact on Education

• Office for Students (OfS) priorities and risk-monitoring to address inequalities across Higher Education

• The shift towards skills-based learning

• Supporting mental health and wellbeing

• Future engagement from low participation, low socio-economic and underrepresented backgrounds.

Running order

12:45 – 13:15 – Lunch and networking

13:15 - Chair introduction (Rae-Anne Cohen, PhD candidate)

13:20-13:30 - Panel introductions

13:30 – 14:10 – Chair questions & topics for the panel

14:10 – 14:30 – KCLSU 93% society introduction and audience Q&A

14:30 – 15:00 – Networking tea & coffee.