May’s first speech outside No.10 focused on tackling social injustice. She paid tribute to Cameron’s record and made it clear that she will continue to pursue his One Nation Conservative agenda including his focus on improving ‘life chances’.
The emphasis on tackling inequalities and social mobility through improvements to education, skills and family policy is already clear. On the steps of No.10, May said: “If you’re a white, working-class boy, you are less likely than anybody else in Britain to go to university. If you’re at a state school, you’re less likely to reach the top professions than if you are educated privately.” Major reforms already underway to the national funding formula are also set to progress under May who has particularly welcomed the extra funding for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
May’s appointment of Justine Greening as Education Secretary, the first to be educated at a comprehensive school, reflects her commitment to putting education at the centre of the life chances and social justice agenda.
May’s interest in education will likely be spurred on by joint Chief of Staff Nick Timothy. Timothy, May’s former senior adviser in her role as Home Secretary, was until a few days ago head of the New Schools Network, a charity dedicated to supporting free schools. His appointment will increase the likelihood that Justine Greening, as Education Secretary, will be given the support and encouragement needed to continue to deliver some of the radical changes introduced under David Cameron.
Responsibility for higher education and skills is to be moved from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills into the Department for Education. The importance of social mobility and helping people reach their potential will continue to be reflected in higher education policy – as it has been under Jo Johnson’s reforms to HE. However, how it will be linked to education for primary and secondary schools is now in the hands of Justine Greening and her team.