Research unveiled today by Edge shows that 70 per cent of parents feel that politicians do not know a great deal about education.

And with a general election guaranteed within the next year, all politicians may be concerned to know that nearly nine out of ten parents (87 per cent) believe that political parties overpromise on education matters in a bid to secure votes. Around three quarters (72 per cent) feel that our leaders are not in touch with the education system, with nearly half (47 per cent) saying that politicians want an education system which does not meet their child’s needs.

Despite the 1997 Labour Party Manifesto identifying education as the Party’s number one priority, over a third of parents (35 per cent) feel that Labour has failed to live up to its promises. And although the Tories were voted the party most likely to improve education if they were elected (with 29 per cent of the vote, compared to Labour 19 per cent and Lib Dem 11 per cent) 55 per cent of parents do not believe that the Conservatives will fulfil their pledge to make education a priority if elected.

With parents often feeling sidelined as the silent majority when it comes to matters of their child’s education, Edge is committed to making sure their voice is heard by the policy makers. Edge is collecting parents’ views on what they want included in education policy for the next five years and taking it directly to the politicians writing the manifestos. Parents can visit www.edge.co.uk/revolution to have their say on how the education system can be improved.

Topping Edge’s poll of parents’ education priorities were:
• A focus on basic skills – 64 per cent
• Greater investment in teachers – 59 per cent
• Investing in buildings and facilities – 51 per cent
• More practical and vocational learning options in schools – 50 per cent
• More apprenticeships – 44 per cent

Chief Executive of Edge Andy Powell commented:
“The message is clear – British parents know what they want for their children when it comes to education, but currently none of the parties are meeting their expectations. The policy makers are making these decisions for their children now, which is why now is the time for parents to act. We want an education system that recognises that there are many paths to success, nurturing the individual interests and talents of the nation’s young people.

“Education is not a political football, to be kicked around between parties for political gain – the future of the nation’s youth is at stake. I urge all parents to visit the Edge website, have their say, and get their voices heard by the right people.”

The young people are also being collated on www.edge.co.uk/revolution. As well as being given to politicians, they will be used in Edge advertising – giving parents and young people the voice they deserve.

Notes to editors

Research was carried out by PCP. Total sample size was 1002 parents of 7 to 16 year olds in the UK. Fieldwork was undertaken between 10th and 14th August 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures are broadly representative of parents of 7 to 16 year olds in the UK.