Solihull School

It is wonderful to see that the proposed reforms of the National Curriculum announced today (5 November 2025) will include a focus on oracy. The ability to listen and communicate effectively is an essential human skill. These recommendations of Professor Becky Francis’s Curriculum and Assessment Review are to be welcomed.

The National Literacy Society emphasises the importance of every child being empowered and encouraged to find, develop and express their authentic voice, but notes a worrying trend: almost a third (31%) of five-year-olds started primary school this year without the language, communication and literacy skills they need to thrive.

The Government’s focus on oracy is therefore not only important, it is urgent. From examining the speeches of famous orators who have shaped history, to developing our own ability to listen and communicate, oracy takes many forms: storytelling, speeches, foreign language oral exams, debating competitions and class discussions.

At Solihull School, pupils are encouraged to find their voice from a young age, with storytelling clubs and public speaking competitions in our Prep School, a thriving debating society in our Senior School which regularly competes around the country, pupil leadership, our scholars programme and a myriad of other formal and informal opportunities for each young person to shape and express their perspectives on a variety of topics.

In Britain, we need our young people to first inspire their peer group and classmates and then, as they emerge into adulthood, to inspire the world around them in whichever profession or path they choose.

In fact, modern society probably needs capable, articulate leadership in the 21^st Century as much as at any time in the past. Being able to listen to the perspectives of others with an open mind and express our own views effectively are essential tools which should be learnt at school. I warmly welcome the Government’s emphasis on embedding oracy skills within the curriculum.