"No excuses for poor performance" - Education Minister stands firm

"Our young people deserve better. And I believe that we can deliver," the Minister for Education said in a landmark address (02/02/2011).

In his speech “Teaching makes a difference,” Leighton Andrews explained how he proposes to deal resolutely with problems in the Welsh education system.

He promised more direct input, and set out a clear programme to address the issues, setting clear targets to measure improvement - including the aim to be in the top 20 of school systems measured in the PISA scores in 2015.

The Minister said:

“Education, and the right of all to access it and reach their potential, has been at the heart of our modern Welsh culture.

“Much of what we need to do will take time and it will be hard. It will require honesty, leadership and a new approach to accountability.

“We speak a lot about the rights of children and young people in the National Assembly for Wales. Children and young people have a right to expect high-quality teaching and that their schools are delivering high standards. 

“We will set high standards and seek to reach them, not accept excuses and alibis for poor performance.”

Teaching makes a difference - 2 February 2011, Reardon Smith Theatre, Cardiff