TODAY marks the launch of a manifesto aimed at rethinking education.

York head teacher, John Tomsett, is one of 12 head teachers from the non-party political Head Teachers’ Roundtable (HTR) group who are launching their document today, exactly one year before the General Election.

One of the key policies they want to implement is a blueprint for a College of Teaching with compulsory membership for all teachers, run for teachers by teachers.

Huntington School head, Mr Tomsett, said there has been national media interest in the launch.

As one of their other key points the HTR also wants to introduce progressive qualifications in English and maths to allow continued study to age 18 for all learners.

The ten main points raised are:

1 Introduce the entitlement to a professional development programme for teachers.

2 Create a national College of Teaching with compulsory membership for all teachers.

3 Introduce a National Baccalaureate framework.

4 Introduce progressive qualifications in English and maths to facilitate continued study to 18 for all learners.

5 Implement a new inspection framework.

6 Stabilise performance measures.

7 Harmonise freedoms across maintained schools and academies.

8 Introduce grants to incentivise innovation towards progression between primary and secondary school

9 To develop a national 0-5 parent support strategy.

10 To establish a national recruitment fund.

The round table has already held top level talks with education secretary, Michael Gove and the launch of the manifesto is already attracting national attention.

To view the manifesto in full go to http://headteachersroundtable.wordpress.com