A WIRRAL assistant headteacher has thrown their support behind the launch of a new national Oracy Education Commission.

Oracy is defined as the ability to speak eloquently, articulate ideas and thoughts, influence through talking, listen to others and have the confidence to express your views.

The Commission comes in the wake of new YouGov polling which suggests that over 80% of business leaders and parents support more time being spent on the development of young people’s spoken language and listening skills at school.

In 2024 St George’s Primary School in Wallasey was recognised as a national Oracy Centre of Excellence by the national oracy charity, Voice 21.

Laura Horton, assistant headteacher, said: “Through explicit teaching of oracy, we have seen children grow in confidence and be able to share their ideas and thoughts confidently.

"Oracy is woven through every aspect of life at St George’s - stemming from a vision that makes it clear that oracy is a vehicle to access curriculum whilst also being fundamental in its own right to help students to thrive socially, pastorally, emotionally and academically.”

The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, chaired by education leader, Geoff Barton (outgoing General Secretary of Association of School and College Leaders), will provide a blueprint for a national entitlement for oracy education at all stages of statutory education in England.

The Commission has been set up in response to the growing recognition of the importance of spoken language to children’s learning and life chances and increasing evidence and concern as to the impact of the inconsistency, quality and accessibility of oracy education in schools across England.