Education experts and advocacy groups are urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to honour his commitment to embed speaking skills across England's school curriculum. The push comes as research continues to demonstrate the profound impact of oracy—the ability to articulate ideas clearly and confidently—on students' academic performance and future employability.
The Growing Demand for Oracy Education
Campaigners argue that in an increasingly communication-driven world, verbal fluency should be given equal weight to traditional literacy and numeracy skills. "We're seeing a generation of students who can write essays but struggle to present their ideas verbally," noted one headteacher from a London comprehensive.
Why Speaking Skills Matter
- Boosts academic achievement across all subjects
- Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Improves social mobility and career prospects
- Develops confidence and mental wellbeing
The movement has gained particular momentum following concerns about pandemic-related learning gaps, with many educators reporting noticeable declines in students' verbal communication abilities after periods of remote learning.
Political Promises and Practical Challenges
While Starmer's previous endorsement of oracy education was welcomed by teaching unions, implementation faces hurdles. Budget constraints, an already overcrowded curriculum, and the need for specialised teacher training present significant obstacles to nationwide rollout.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is expected to address these concerns in upcoming policy announcements, with insiders suggesting a phased approach beginning with primary schools may be most feasible.
As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: in preparing young people for an uncertain future, the ability to speak effectively may prove just as valuable as the ability to write or calculate.
