Katharine Birbalsingh

Katharine Birbalsingh must have known that giving a public speech in order to "expose some of the truths about the education system" would threaten her job and her career. It is a tremendous amount to risk for talking for less than eight minutes. Therefore, I admire her courage for doing so, regardless.

I am not in favour of the fact that she used actual photos and videos of, as well as quotes from, her students, even if she had permission to do so, as has been reported in some sections of the media. Also, criticising a system that had been heavily influenced, at least, by a Labour government for more than a decade in front of an audience of staunch Tories is very far from a difficult gig.

Having said all of that, however, I strongly agree with most of what she said, based as it was on ten years of teaching experience. Kids are unruly and subsequent sanctions are insufficient; exams have become much easier; and in general terms the "system is broken." In short, we definitely need to "glue our education system back together" because it is "in pieces." I know all of this to be true because I have witnessed it myself.

Katharine Birbalsingh came across as being a well-spoken, articulate and talented public speaker. Her opinions were considered and intelligent. I will not comment here on her current employment status because there seems to be a lot of uncertainty surrounding the situation. I will simply say that I respect her decision to speak out and I wish her well in her future endeavours.