Policy paper

UK Education Ministers Council Communiqué: 8 June 2023

Updated 26 June 2023

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

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The UK Education Ministers Council (UKEMC) met for the fourth time on Thursday 8 June at The City of Liverpool College. The meeting was chaired by The Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education.

The attendees were:

  • The Rt. Hon. Gillian Keegan MP, Secretary of State for Education (from the UK Government)

  • Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Further and Higher Education and Minister for Veterans (from the Scottish Government)

  • Jeremy Miles AS/MS, Minister for Education and Welsh Language (from the Welsh Government)

  • Linsey Farrell, Deputy Secretary for Education Policy and Children’s Services, Department of Education (representing Northern Ireland)

  • Heather Cousins, Deputy Secretary, Skills and Education Group, Department for the Economy (representing Northern Ireland)

Following a welcome from the Principal and Chief Executive of The City of Liverpool College, the Chair welcomed attendees to the fourth meeting of the UKEMC, an Education Interministerial Group. The attendees toured the digital facilities at the college and met with students to discuss their experiences.

The theme of the meeting was digital in education, focussing on current and future digital approaches to transform teacher workload and support effective teaching and learning, including the opportunities and risks presented by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

The Chair welcomed Colin Hegarty of Sparx Learning, who gave a presentation on how technology can be used to empower learners and teachers, optimising learning time and reducing teacher workload.

Ministers also considered matters relating to plans for examinations in 2023.

It was agreed that the Scottish Government would host the next meeting.

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