Bishop of Durham Calls For Greater Attention On Reopening Of Schools In September

The Church of England’s Lead Bishop for Education and Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler has called on the Government to now start prioritising getting the nation’s schools back to full operation in September

The call came amidst the release of GSCE results yesterday. He said the recent controversy over exam results “has risked diverting school leaders’ time and attention away from the re-opening of schools for all students in September – a step which we fully welcome”. 

 “Placing education at the centre of the Government’s autumn recovery plans will ensure that schools, colleges, universities, their students and their families get all the practical support they need, for the sake of the wellbeing and progress of all children and young people”, he added

He went on by saying: “This will involve particular practical systematic action to support those from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that addressing the needs of the most vulnerable is the central aim of us all.”

To students, he expressed empathy: “Today’s GCSE results are an important moment of celebration for many, while for others this will be a time of uncertainty over next steps and future direction.

“Students have shown immense resilience and character in unprecedented circumstances. The unstinting work of teachers, school leaders and governors throughout this whole period has been absolutely inspirational.”