Today, The Journal published a powerful article by Les Walton CBE, Chair of the Association of Education Advisers (AoEA), titled “Education in the UK has long been marked by disruption.”
In the article, Les reflects on his lifetime of service to education and the lessons we must learn from decades of piecemeal policy reform. While systems have changed and governments have come and gone, the pattern of disruption has remained constant — often undermining the professionals tasked with improving outcomes in schools.
Les urges policymakers and practitioners alike to focus on clarity, coherence, and continuity. He highlights the importance of supporting school leadership through consistent, knowledgeable, and trusted advisory services. Crucially, he argues that:
“Great advisers don’t arrive with a clipboard, but with knowledge, empathy, experience and the ability to challenge constructively.”
The article highlights the AoEA’s work in developing a national framework to professionalise education advice, promote shared standards, and offer schools a more reliable support structure.
From accreditation and independent learning to peer-led dialogue, Les sets out a vision of a system that is enabled rather than inspected into improvement, one that fosters trust rather than control.
We encourage all education professionals to read the article and reflect on its key message: the future of school improvement relies not only on policy, but on the people behind the advice.
📍 Read the full article in the Monday 23 June 2025 edition of The Journal.
