4 Education & Schooling All about oracy
As the government prepares to rewrite the national curriculum, Liz Connor helps parents tackle education’s latest buzzword
3RD SEPTEMBER 2026
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Much has been said over the past few years about the importance of digital literacy — equipping children with the knowledge and tools to thrive in a future that will feature more technology than any previous generation knew. But by spending too much time remote learning on tablets and laptops, children risk losing the vital skill of oracy, according to educators. Defined as the ability to express
thoughts fluently through spoken language, oracy includes debate and presentation skills like articulation and reasoning, as well as listening, reasoning and adapting speech to suit different audiences and contexts. With the UK government set to add it to the national curriculum, parents should prepare to hear more about oracy over the coming terms.
Why oracy matters Whether it’s having the confidence to put their hand up in class or being able to healthily mediate a disagreement in the playground, spoken language skills are one of the strongest predictors of a child’s future life chances, as research has shown. In fact, recent data shared by the Department of Health and Social Care found that children with poor vocabulary at age five are more likely to struggle with mental health problems and face unemployment as adults. “Developing these skills helps
ORACY/PEXELS
children explain ideas, persuade others, ask better questions and participate more fully in lessons,” says Louis Provis, an English teacher at online learning platform MyEdSpace. London’s top independent schools have long
treated oracy as a core life skill, with some prestigious institutions like Westminster School scheduling specific weekly debating classes to get younger learners confident with speaking in front of their peers. Siobhan Casey, principal of
Crimson Global Academy’s Greenwich campus, says that the children she teaches who regularly engage with these skills are already leaps and bounds ahead: “I have seen that students who can articulate an idea, explain their reasoning, ask questions and engage constructively with different viewpoints are better equipped to access learning across the curriculum.”
The new framework In spring of next year, the UK government will publish a new national oracy framework. While the details are still under wraps, it’s likely that the measures will embed speaking and listening skills across the entire national curriculum, rather than introducing oracy as a stand-alone subject. “Done well, it could shift the
emphasis from knowing the names of grammatical constructs to understanding how to use language effectively,” says Provis. “First, it can reduce class-based divides in education, as the idea of communicating effectively becomes more important than being grammatically correct. Second, it can strengthen media literacy. “Finally, and perhaps most
importantly, it could have the effect of making children more engaged at school, as they’re encouraged to be more creative with language, rather than faced with another set of technical terms to memorise.”
Independent School of the Year 2025: preparing students for a changing world
Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools encourage independence, resilience and curiosity throughout school life
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. At Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools, students benefit from an exceptional education that combines the strengths of single- sex learning with the opportunities of a co-educational environment, preparing young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Having been named Independent
School of the Year 2025, alongside receiving the award for Outstanding Educational Partnerships, Habs continues to demonstrate a clear vision for modern education. Te recognition reflected not only academic excellence, but also the schools’ commitment to creating meaningful opportunities beyond their own campus. At the heart of Habs’ success is its
purpose: to empower young people to make a profound impact in the world. Trough its award-winning Partnerships Programme with six local state schools, Habs delivers more than 52 hours of curriculum support and enrichment each week, reaching almost 2,000 students and involving more than 500 Habs pupils and 56 members of staff. As well as
developing leadership skills among Habs students, the programme has helped improve attendance among disadvantaged pupils by more than 10%. Trough the Habs Innovation
Centre, students are encouraged to engage with emerging ideas and real-world challenges, from artificial intelligence and sustainability to
entrepreneurship and
digital innovation. Academic achievement remains
a hallmark of a Habs education, but the schools are equally committed to developing well-rounded young people. A strong
pastoral care
programme supports students’ emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing, while an exceptional co- curricular offering enables them to discover passions beyond the classroom through sport, music, drama, debating, leadership and countless other opportunities. With world-class facilities,
continued investment in the campus and a culture built on ambition and community, Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools continue to exemplify what modern independent education can achieve, nurturing young people who aren’t only academically accomplished, but who are prepared to make a meaningful impact in an increasingly complex world.
“[Habs] represents
the very best qualities of the independent sector
— a voice that helps the wider world to understand the powerful and positive impact of this sector.” Independent School of the Year Awards
Discover more at
habselstree.org.uk
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