'No change' to EU pupils following Brexit vote

Following calls for reassurance, DfE statement says government is business as usual with no changes to EU pupils' circumstances

Posted by Stephanie Broad | July 01, 2016 | People, policy, politics

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• #brexit
• #government-policy
• #eu-referendum
• #naht
• #racism
• #education

The result of the EU referendum has sparked a ripple of doubt in the education sector, as schools raise concerns about their EU-national pupils. School leaders’ union NAHT published an open letter calling for assurances, following concerns raised by its members over worried young pupils. The Student Loans company were also keen to respond to the news of Brexit, stating that loans would continue to be available for current students and those arriving to study from this autumn.

The Department for Education (DfE) has now issued a statement regarding how the referendum affects their work. First, the message reassures the public that “the government will continue to deliver its manifesto commitments, and will continue taking forward the important legislation set out in the Queen’s Speech.” It then clarifies that there will be no immediate changes to European citizens’ rights to live, study and work in the UK.

The statement also touches upon concerns about heightened incidents of racism following the vote, concluding that: “All schools will continue to play an important role in promoting the fundamental British values of mutual respect and tolerance for those of all backgrounds and faiths. We are clear that no child should live in fear of racism or bullying, and by law all schools must have a behaviour policy with measures to tackle bullying.”

Read the full statement on the DfE website.