Foreword by The Secretary of State for Wales
 
 
Education is the Government's top priority for Britain and it is mine. To build a better Wales, we need our education to be the best. We must deliver an education that benefits everyone, not just a privileged few. That means an education that equips the school children and students of today, and many generations to come, with the skills they need to live and to prosper in a modern, dynamic economy.

We must start with the basics. Raising standards of literacy and numeracy will, therefore, be at the heart of our programme of reform. We will build on skills and techniques that we already know to be effective. We will work with teachers to harness their professional expertise and enthusiasm.

This White Paper is the first written specifically for Wales in modern times. It reflects the distinctive nature of the education system in Wales and our commitment to implement policy in a way that recognises our particular circumstances. It provides a framework around which our policy will be built for the next five years. It recognises strengths and weaknesses in the present education system in Wales. We will build on strengths while vigorously tackling weaknesses. We shall apply extra funding to achieve the best results. The Government's first budget is our first step in fulfilling the pledge that a greater share of national income should be spent on education.

Our vision for education in Wales cannot be realised by government alone: it is a matter of partnership. That partnership will draw in the commitment, support and ideas of everyone with a stake in education: teachers, parents, pupils, education authorities and business, to make our plans a reality. The Government will offer leadership and support to all those who have a contribution to make.

This White Paper invites all those who have an interest in education in Wales to join us in working together for a better future.
 

 
Rt. Hon Ron Davies, MP
Secretary of State for Wales