Sir Kevan Collins resigns over education recovery plan

Sir Kevan Collins has resigned as education recovery commissioner, it has been revealed in an exclusive for Tes.

The news comes following the government's announcement of its latest £1.4bn investment into the nation’s education recovery plan. 

In his letter of resignation, which is available to read in full online, Sir Kevan writes to prime minister Boris Johnson: ‘As I set out in my reports to you, I do not believe that a successful recovery can be achieved with a programme of support of this size.’ 

He adds: ‘I believe our approach to recovery should also offer children opportunities to re-engage with sport, music and the rich range of activities that define a great education. I proposed extending school time as a way to provide this breadth, as well as to ensure that additional academic support does not cause existing enrichment activities to be squeezed out.’ 

Commenting on Wednesday evening, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said: 'Sir Kevan Collins' resignation tops off a truly awful day for the government and a deeply disappointing one for all those working in schools.

'There is little point in appointing an internationally-respected education expert as catch-up tsar if you fail to listen to what they have to say. The Treasury have refused to respond to the education crisis in the same way as they have the economic one. It is completely understandable that Sir Kevan chose not to become a pawn in whatever game the government is playing.'