The joint statement, published today, responds to new research commissioned by Mission 44 which paints a stark picture of a growing disconnect between students’ needs and their everyday experience of school.

The data reveals that too many young people, particularly those with special educational needs, disabilities or from lower-income families, are feeling excluded and overlooked.
Chris Tomlinson, CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, was amongst the leaders who co-signed the statement alongside Mission 44 Founder Sir Lewis Hamilton.

"It is a privilege to stand alongside Mission 44 and Sir Lewis Hamilton to champion a more inclusive education system,” said Chris.

“At Co-op Academies Trust, we believe that every child deserves to feel valued, respected and included regardless of background or identity. This joint statement is a commitment to real, lasting change. I’m proud to lend our voice to this powerful movement and to continue working with others to ensure that equity and inclusion are a reality in every school."

Mission 44’s campaign ‘Nothing Happens in Isolation’ highlights how unmet needs, poor mental health support, discrimination and poverty are challenges that contribute to rising rates of school exclusion. The joint response stresses that these cannot be tackled in isolation.

Read Mission 44’s full statement on inclusive education here.