The Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England is an independent commission, chaired by Geoff Barton and hosted by Voice 21.

The Commission responds 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.

With the demands of a global economy, the surge of artificial intelligence, and the persistent and pernicious achievement gap and inequality in life-chances, there is a pressing need to ensure that all children and young people benefit from an education that builds their language, understanding and confidence to find and use their voice to thrive in their learning and life beyond school. The Commission will shape recommendations to lead to a systemic shift in access to oracy education in England. 

The Commission launches a call for evidence on Friday 15 March, with a final report and recommendations published in September 2024. 

Aims and objectives

The Commission will set out the aims and purpose of oracy education in school and propose a blueprint for how an entitlement to effective oracy education can be delivered as part of a child’s statutory education.

The Commission will:

-Define the vision, values and intent of oracy education as part of a broad and enriching education.

-Outline an evidence-based framework for oracy education which ensures children have the knowledge, skills and attributes to thrive in education, work and life

-Make recommendations for the implementation of a national entitlement to oracy education for all children across all stages and phases of statutory education in England.