Written Statement: Re-imagine Schooling Expert Panel

In September 2018 I announced the publication of the report ‘Teaching: A Valued Profession’, from the Independent Panel led by Professor Mick Waters. The report followed an extensive review of pay and conditions for the teaching profession in Wales, and made 37 proposals to support our education reforms following the devolution of teachers’ pay and conditions from September 2018.

One of the key recommendations stated that we should establish an independent Commission to Re-Imagine Schooling in Wales. I have taken some time to think about this recommendation and am pleased to announce that an Expert Panel has recently been appointed to take forward the first phase of this work. The role of Expert Panel members leading ‘Phase 1’ is to research and assess how schooling works for pupils, their families, teachers and support staff in Wales, and to identify the key themes that need further consideration.

I have appointed Professor Mick Waters as Chair of the Expert Panel; Professor Waters is supported by:

• Joysy John, Director of Education, Nesta
• Rhian Morgan Ellis, Head of Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda
• Dame Professor Alison Peacock, Chief Executive of the Chartered College of Teaching
• Dr Dafydd Trystan, Registrar of Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol

The panel, which met in full for the first time this morning, has already begun the initial research and has engaged with some of our key stakeholders, including the education workforce unions, to help inform this important work. The views, professional knowledge and expertise of those within the education sector here in Wales will bring a valuable perspective to these matters.

The panel will continue its work throughout the summer before submitting its report to me and the First Minister ahead of the meeting of the Atlantic Rim Collaboratory (ARC) that Wales is hosting in September.  

The ARC meeting will be an excellent opportunity for detailed discussion, scrutiny and evaluation with key international partners on those emerging themes identified by the Expert Panel.

This will be the basis for the in-depth research and consultation process which will be taken forward for Phase 2 of the process, when a full commission is established later in the year.

Pen pictures of the panel members are included at the attached link:

Re-imagine Schooling Expert Panel members​​​​​​​