The English education system is at a crossroads. Over the past two decades, a shift toward multi-academy trusts (MATs) and rigid teaching methods has created a culture where students are increasingly spoon-fed information rather than encouraged to think for themselves. Behaviour management strategies masquerade as pedagogy, reducing lessons to tightly controlled environments where compliance is valued over curiosity.
While this approach may produce orderly classrooms and passable exam results, it is failing students in the long run. By stripping young people of independence, resilience, and critical thinking, the education system is creating a generation ill-equipped for life beyond school—both in further study and the workplace.
Spoon-Fed Learning: A Dangerous Trend
In many MAT-run schools, students are taught in an environment where every step of the learning process is dictated. Lessons are scripted, resources are pre-prepared to the finest detail, and students are often expected to copy information rather than engage with it. While this approach ensures consistency, it discourages independent thought.
- Instead of investigating and problem-solving, students are given rigid “I do, we do, you do” structures that leave little room for exploration.
- Rather than forming their own opinions, they memorise pre-approved arguments to regurgitate in exams.
- Instead of learning how to manage their own workload, their time is micromanaged down to the last second.
This creates students who can follow instructions but struggle to think for themselves—a critical flaw in an era where employers increasingly value adaptability and self-motivation.
Behaviour Over Learning: The MAT Obsession with Control
One of the most alarming trends in modern education is the way behaviour management has become confused with pedagogy. Many MATs enforce strict, almost military-style discipline policies under the guise of “ensuring learning can take place.” In reality, these systems do little more than teach compliance.
- Silent corridors, rigid uniform policies, and detentions for the most minor infractions create a culture of fear rather than respect.
- Teachers spend more time monitoring “tracking” (eye contact with the teacher) and “SLANT” (Sit up, Listen, Ask & Answer, Nod, Track) than actually engaging students in meaningful discussion.
- Any deviation from the script—whether it’s asking too many questions or expressing an alternative viewpoint—is discouraged, subtly teaching students to accept rather than challenge.
This factory-line approach to education produces students who can follow rules but struggle with initiative, creativity, and resilience—all essential skills for success in higher education and employment.
The Long-Term Damage: Students, Society, and the Economy
By failing to foster independent learners, the education system is not just harming individual students but also undermining the future of the economy.
- Higher Education Struggles
Universities expect students to research, debate, and think critically. Yet many arrive unable to study without constant direction, leading to high dropout rates and lower attainment. A study by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) found that over a third of students struggle with independent learning after leaving school, largely due to over-structured teaching in secondary education. - Workplace Readiness
Employers are increasingly vocal about the lack of soft skills in young recruits. A CBI report found that half of UK businesses feel school leavers lack problem-solving skills, and many complain that employees need constant supervision. Spoon-fed students become dependent workers, which stifles innovation and reduces productivity. - Economic Consequences
If young people lack the ability to think for themselves, innovate, or take initiative, the long-term impact on the economy is severe. The UK already lags behind other developed nations in productivity, and a workforce that requires constant hand-holding will only make matters worse. Independent thinkers drive progress; passive workers do not.
Education Reform: What Needs to Change?
If schools truly want to prepare students for the future, they must:
- Ditch the script. Teachers should have the freedom to inspire critical thinking rather than deliver pre-packaged lessons.
- Encourage debate and questioning. Instead of fearing disruption, schools should welcome curiosity.
- Reduce reliance on rigid behaviour systems. Respect and engagement should replace fear-based compliance.
- Teach students how to manage their own learning. Study skills, time management, and research techniques should be prioritised.
The world is changing. If education does not change with it, we are condemning young people to a future where they are not just underprepared but unprepared for the challenges of adulthood.
It’s time to stop treating students like passive recipients of information and start teaching them to think for themselves. The future depends on it.