Andrew O’Neill
@andrewoneill.bsky.social
Schools’ Policy and Delivery Adviser, Department for Education
HT, All Saints Catholic College | Pearson Gold Award Winner, Secondary Headteacher of the Year 2022
HT, All Saints Catholic College | Pearson Gold Award Winner, Secondary Headteacher of the Year 2022
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
This took a long , long time to put together and it was great to see the (largely) sensible debate it prompted over the month after it was published a few months back.
The scientific debate is still where it was, but the cultural debate has certainly become even more polarised.
The scientific debate is still where it was, but the cultural debate has certainly become even more polarised.
Have social media and smartphones ‘rewired’ today’s teenagers? Jonathan Haidt argues they have in 'The Anxious Generation' – but critics say that banning phones won’t bring the salvation he promises
Is Jonathan Haidt right about smartphones?
In ‘The Anxious Generation’, Haidt makes the case that social media and smartphones have ‘rewired’ today’s teenagers, but his critics say the evidence tells us something very different - and that…
www.tes.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:50 PM
This took a long , long time to put together and it was great to see the (largely) sensible debate it prompted over the month after it was published a few months back.
The scientific debate is still where it was, but the cultural debate has certainly become even more polarised.
The scientific debate is still where it was, but the cultural debate has certainly become even more polarised.
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
This is a lovely article about the work of Citizens UK, highlighting Tyne and Wear Citizens and their great achievements.
Our trust supports this work (and makes sure our students and families are at the heart ;)) in Liverpool, Greater Manchester and West Yorks.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Our trust supports this work (and makes sure our students and families are at the heart ;)) in Liverpool, Greater Manchester and West Yorks.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
‘People will listen’: turning anger into community pride in North Shields
A tour of local ‘wins’ shows how the charity Citizens UK is working with residents to build a better, fairer society
www.theguardian.com
December 13, 2025 at 9:55 PM
This is a lovely article about the work of Citizens UK, highlighting Tyne and Wear Citizens and their great achievements.
Our trust supports this work (and makes sure our students and families are at the heart ;)) in Liverpool, Greater Manchester and West Yorks.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Our trust supports this work (and makes sure our students and families are at the heart ;)) in Liverpool, Greater Manchester and West Yorks.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
For the record:
📈 2,300 more secondary and special school teachers
📈 Trainee teachers up 11%
📈 Physics up 36%
📈 Computing up 44%
📈 Maths up 16%
📈 Attendance improving
📈 Behaviour improving
Labour is getting more children in class & more teachers in front of them.
#PMQs
📈 2,300 more secondary and special school teachers
📈 Trainee teachers up 11%
📈 Physics up 36%
📈 Computing up 44%
📈 Maths up 16%
📈 Attendance improving
📈 Behaviour improving
Labour is getting more children in class & more teachers in front of them.
#PMQs
December 10, 2025 at 12:41 PM
For the record:
📈 2,300 more secondary and special school teachers
📈 Trainee teachers up 11%
📈 Physics up 36%
📈 Computing up 44%
📈 Maths up 16%
📈 Attendance improving
📈 Behaviour improving
Labour is getting more children in class & more teachers in front of them.
#PMQs
📈 2,300 more secondary and special school teachers
📈 Trainee teachers up 11%
📈 Physics up 36%
📈 Computing up 44%
📈 Maths up 16%
📈 Attendance improving
📈 Behaviour improving
Labour is getting more children in class & more teachers in front of them.
#PMQs
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
"If we believe that teaching changes lives, we must sound like a profession that believes in itself." @samgibbs.bsky.social in @tesmagazine.bsky.social : www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Teacher recruitment is turning a corner - let’s accentuate the positives
Positive ITT data should be welcomed by the sector - and used to shape a narrative about why it’s a great profession to build on ‘fragile’ green shoots, says Sam Gibbs
www.tes.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:05 PM
"If we believe that teaching changes lives, we must sound like a profession that believes in itself." @samgibbs.bsky.social in @tesmagazine.bsky.social : www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
One from me today on why we need to talk to the positives on teacher recruitment.
A lovely positive piece (with caveats) from @samgibbs.bsky.social on teacher training targets
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Teacher recruitment is turning a corner - let’s accentuate the positives
Positive ITT data should be welcomed by the sector - and used to shape a narrative about why it’s a great profession to build on ‘fragile’ green shoots, says Sam Gibbs
www.tes.com
December 5, 2025 at 9:30 PM
One from me today on why we need to talk to the positives on teacher recruitment.
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
A lovely positive piece (with caveats) from @samgibbs.bsky.social on teacher training targets
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Teacher recruitment is turning a corner - let’s accentuate the positives
Positive ITT data should be welcomed by the sector - and used to shape a narrative about why it’s a great profession to build on ‘fragile’ green shoots, says Sam Gibbs
www.tes.com
December 5, 2025 at 5:21 PM
A lovely positive piece (with caveats) from @samgibbs.bsky.social on teacher training targets
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
Proud to unveil the Child Poverty Strategy.
Child poverty is a scourge I grew up with, it is a scourge I want to end.
This government will drive the biggest reduction of child poverty in a single Parliament. This is how we get there.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Child poverty is a scourge I grew up with, it is a scourge I want to end.
This government will drive the biggest reduction of child poverty in a single Parliament. This is how we get there.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Our Children, Our Future: Tackling Child Poverty
Strategy document setting out the government’s ambitious decade long mission to tackle the drivers of child poverty across the UK.
www.gov.uk
December 5, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Proud to unveil the Child Poverty Strategy.
Child poverty is a scourge I grew up with, it is a scourge I want to end.
This government will drive the biggest reduction of child poverty in a single Parliament. This is how we get there.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Child poverty is a scourge I grew up with, it is a scourge I want to end.
This government will drive the biggest reduction of child poverty in a single Parliament. This is how we get there.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
We can’t fight Reform if we’re busy fighting ourselves.
As Deputy Leader, with a seat in Cabinet, I’ll unite our party, deliver change and take the fight to Reform.
As Deputy Leader, with a seat in Cabinet, I’ll unite our party, deliver change and take the fight to Reform.
September 28, 2025 at 11:42 AM
We can’t fight Reform if we’re busy fighting ourselves.
As Deputy Leader, with a seat in Cabinet, I’ll unite our party, deliver change and take the fight to Reform.
As Deputy Leader, with a seat in Cabinet, I’ll unite our party, deliver change and take the fight to Reform.
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
I’m really proud to be backed by these mayors, who are delivering day in, day out for the people they represent.
As Deputy Leader, I’d speak up for every Labour Member, nation and region from my seat at Cabinet.
labourlist.org/2025/09/chil...
As Deputy Leader, I’d speak up for every Labour Member, nation and region from my seat at Cabinet.
labourlist.org/2025/09/chil...
'Labour must put tackling child poverty at the heart of our future - that’s why we back Bridget Phillipson' - LabourList
Five of Labour's devolved mayors on why they are backing Bridget Phillipson for deputy leader of the Labour Party.
labourlist.org
September 20, 2025 at 10:02 AM
I’m really proud to be backed by these mayors, who are delivering day in, day out for the people they represent.
As Deputy Leader, I’d speak up for every Labour Member, nation and region from my seat at Cabinet.
labourlist.org/2025/09/chil...
As Deputy Leader, I’d speak up for every Labour Member, nation and region from my seat at Cabinet.
labourlist.org/2025/09/chil...
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
‘My message to Labour members is simple: I want to unite our party to deliver change so we can beat Reform at the next Election and get a second Labour term.’
- @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social writes for the Mirror
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
- @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social writes for the Mirror
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
'Divided parties don’t win elections - we can't afford to hand Farage advantage'
Education Secretary and Labour deputy leadership contender Bridget Phillipson writes for The Mirror saying she will be a 'strong voice at Cabinet table' for members
www.mirror.co.uk
September 14, 2025 at 10:05 AM
‘My message to Labour members is simple: I want to unite our party to deliver change so we can beat Reform at the next Election and get a second Labour term.’
- @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social writes for the Mirror
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
- @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social writes for the Mirror
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
This is why @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social is running to be Deputy Leader of the Labour Party👇
September 14, 2025 at 10:56 AM
This is why @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social is running to be Deputy Leader of the Labour Party👇
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
Some news 👇🏻
September 7, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Some news 👇🏻
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
Stephen will be much missed in the sector - he has built great relationships, genuinely listened and treated the profession with respect at all times.
September 7, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Stephen will be much missed in the sector - he has built great relationships, genuinely listened and treated the profession with respect at all times.
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
30 government-funded hours wasn’t the end. Today Labour’s announcing another 300 school-based nurseries.
Accessible, affordable, convenient early years education for working families – saving time on the drop-off & saving money on childcare.
Labour’s Plan for Change in action.
Accessible, affordable, convenient early years education for working families – saving time on the drop-off & saving money on childcare.
Labour’s Plan for Change in action.
September 4, 2025 at 7:18 AM
30 government-funded hours wasn’t the end. Today Labour’s announcing another 300 school-based nurseries.
Accessible, affordable, convenient early years education for working families – saving time on the drop-off & saving money on childcare.
Labour’s Plan for Change in action.
Accessible, affordable, convenient early years education for working families – saving time on the drop-off & saving money on childcare.
Labour’s Plan for Change in action.
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
Congratulations to students collecting results today! 🎉
You’ve worked so hard and should be proud, as should all your brilliant teachers, staff & parents.
Whichever path you want to take, we’re creating more opportunities for you through our Plan for Change. #Results25
You’ve worked so hard and should be proud, as should all your brilliant teachers, staff & parents.
Whichever path you want to take, we’re creating more opportunities for you through our Plan for Change. #Results25
August 14, 2025 at 6:35 AM
Congratulations to students collecting results today! 🎉
You’ve worked so hard and should be proud, as should all your brilliant teachers, staff & parents.
Whichever path you want to take, we’re creating more opportunities for you through our Plan for Change. #Results25
You’ve worked so hard and should be proud, as should all your brilliant teachers, staff & parents.
Whichever path you want to take, we’re creating more opportunities for you through our Plan for Change. #Results25
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
We’ve spent our first year fixing the foundations in our schools: turning the tide on attendance & teacher recruitment.
Now I’m turning to the thorny, generational issues of our time, like driving up educational outcomes for white working class children.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Now I’m turning to the thorny, generational issues of our time, like driving up educational outcomes for white working class children.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Far too many white working class kids don't get results they need says minister
Bridget Phillipson vowed to tackle the 'thorny' challenge of British white working-class kids falling behind their classmates ahead of A-level results day
www.mirror.co.uk
August 11, 2025 at 6:57 PM
We’ve spent our first year fixing the foundations in our schools: turning the tide on attendance & teacher recruitment.
Now I’m turning to the thorny, generational issues of our time, like driving up educational outcomes for white working class children.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Now I’m turning to the thorny, generational issues of our time, like driving up educational outcomes for white working class children.
www.mirror.co.uk/news/politic...
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
A week ago we had the privilege of hosting panels and presenting at @educationfest.bsky.social thanks to @shanemann.bsky.social and team.
Huge thanks to all who engaged with us and made it such a special experience.
Huge thanks to all who engaged with us and made it such a special experience.
July 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM
A week ago we had the privilege of hosting panels and presenting at @educationfest.bsky.social thanks to @shanemann.bsky.social and team.
Huge thanks to all who engaged with us and made it such a special experience.
Huge thanks to all who engaged with us and made it such a special experience.
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
Superb article
From @jonnyuttley.bsky.social highlighting the huge opportunities from BSiL
www.tes.com/magazine/ana... Why the Best Start in Life strategy is good for schools | Tes
From @jonnyuttley.bsky.social highlighting the huge opportunities from BSiL
www.tes.com/magazine/ana... Why the Best Start in Life strategy is good for schools | Tes
Why ‘Best Start’ is a fresh start in tackling disadvantage
The government’s updated Sure Start approach should be embraced by schools as the right way to address educational inequality, argues Jonny Uttley
www.tes.com
July 8, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Superb article
From @jonnyuttley.bsky.social highlighting the huge opportunities from BSiL
www.tes.com/magazine/ana... Why the Best Start in Life strategy is good for schools | Tes
From @jonnyuttley.bsky.social highlighting the huge opportunities from BSiL
www.tes.com/magazine/ana... Why the Best Start in Life strategy is good for schools | Tes
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
‘We know, in our heads & our hearts, that early gaps widen into a lifelong gulf. It doesn’t have to be this way, and it damn well shouldn’t be.’ Love this from @jonnyuttley.bsky.social on why Best Start will tackle poverty & disadvantage - a Tory legacy & national shame.
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Why ‘Best Start’ is a fresh start in tackling disadvantage
The government's updated Sure Start approach should be embraced by schools as the right way to address educational inequality, argues Jonny Uttley
www.tes.com
July 8, 2025 at 6:33 PM
‘We know, in our heads & our hearts, that early gaps widen into a lifelong gulf. It doesn’t have to be this way, and it damn well shouldn’t be.’ Love this from @jonnyuttley.bsky.social on why Best Start will tackle poverty & disadvantage - a Tory legacy & national shame.
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
‘High aspirations’: the school that embodies Labour’s hopes for special needs
‘High aspirations’: the school that embodies Labour’s hopes for special needs
A mainstream London school with a high number of children with EHCPs has effectively set up a mini special school within its walls
www.theguardian.com
July 11, 2025 at 12:54 PM
‘High aspirations’: the school that embodies Labour’s hopes for special needs
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
Absolutely delighted that my friend @andrewoneill.bsky.social has been appointed to this important role. He’s one of the most credible, inspirational leaders I’ve known, a thoroughly decent & kind person, always championing others. It gives me huge hope for the sector that he will advise the SoS.
Breaking: Maintained school headteacher @andrewoneill.bsky.social has been appointed as a new 'school leader adviser' to education secretary Bridget Phillipson
Story here:
schoolsweek.co.uk/headteacher-...
Story here:
schoolsweek.co.uk/headteacher-...
Maintained school head lands new DfE adviser role
Andrew O'Neill will deliver 'frontline expertise directly into the heart of policy-making', government says
schoolsweek.co.uk
June 2, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Absolutely delighted that my friend @andrewoneill.bsky.social has been appointed to this important role. He’s one of the most credible, inspirational leaders I’ve known, a thoroughly decent & kind person, always championing others. It gives me huge hope for the sector that he will advise the SoS.
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
Congratulations to @andrewoneill.bsky.social
Here is his recent writing on policy for @tesmagazine.bsky.social
www.tes.com/magazine/aut...
Here is his recent writing on policy for @tesmagazine.bsky.social
www.tes.com/magazine/aut...
June 2, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Congratulations to @andrewoneill.bsky.social
Here is his recent writing on policy for @tesmagazine.bsky.social
www.tes.com/magazine/aut...
Here is his recent writing on policy for @tesmagazine.bsky.social
www.tes.com/magazine/aut...
Reposted by Andrew O’Neill
Hugely important role - congrats @andrewoneill.bsky.social
DfE appoints new 'school leader advisor'
Headteacher Andrew O'Neill will take the role for 12 months and assist the government in creating and rolling out policy
www.tes.com
June 2, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Hugely important role - congrats @andrewoneill.bsky.social