Lewis Hamilton Urges UK Government to Take ‘Urgent Action’ on E…read more
Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has issued a powerful call for urgent government action to address inequality and exclusion in the UK education system. As the founder of Mission 44, a charity dedicated to empowering young people from underrepresented backgrounds, Hamilton is leveraging his platform to spotlight serious issues impacting the lives of thousands of students.
Mission 44 recently released a comprehensive study that revealed alarming statistics about the experience of young people in British schools. According to the findings, 17 per cent of students said they do not feel safe or welcome in school or college environments. An even more troubling statistic revealed that 41 per cent of respondents felt their school or college did not listen to or care about their concerns or overall wellbeing.
These figures are even more stark for students with disabilities, those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The data underlines a clear and pressing issue of systemic exclusion within the education system. In response, Hamilton and Mission 44 have joined forces with over 25 organisations from across the education and youth sectors to demand reform and promote inclusive education.
Hamilton publicly shared the research on his social media accounts, amplifying the findings to his global audience. In his statement, he expressed pride in standing alongside Mission 44 and its partners. “I’m proud to stand alongside Mission 44 and over 25 organisations calling for the government to take urgent action to build a more inclusive education system,” he wrote. His statement highlights the responsibility of leaders and policymakers to address this growing issue and ensure that no student is left behind.
Mission 44’s statement further reinforced the urgency of the matter: “Lewis Hamilton and Mission 44 are proud to be leading a sector-wide call for urgent action on inclusive education, alongside over 25 signatories from across the education and youth sectors. Together, we are calling for urgent Government action to build a more inclusive education system that supports every young person to thrive.”
To support this call for reform, Mission 44 has presented a set of clear and actionable recommendations to the UK government. These proposals are designed to provide long-term solutions and ensure every young person has access to a supportive and inclusive educational experience.
The first recommendation is the establishment of a national framework for inclusion. This would give schools comprehensive guidance and support to create environments where all students—regardless of background or ability—feel safe, respected, and empowered to learn.
Secondly, Mission 44 has proposed the implementation of an annual national student experience survey. This initiative would provide critical data on student wellbeing and experience, enabling schools and policymakers to identify issues and implement timely, evidence-based interventions.
Another key recommendation is the development of mentorship programmes for students at risk of exclusion. These programmes would provide tailored support to vulnerable students, helping them remain in the education system and reach their full potential, rather than being pushed out of it.
Finally, Mission 44 is calling for targeted funding to build an inclusive workforce within the education sector. The goal is to ensure that the teaching and support staff reflect the diverse communities they serve and are equipped to meet the unique needs of every student.
Lewis Hamilton’s commitment to education reform through Mission 44 reflects a broader vision of social justice and equal opportunity. As the education system faces increasing scrutiny, this call to action is a reminder that urgent and meaningful change is not only necessary—it is overdue.
