Tristram Hunt MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, in a speech to AQA’s Creative Education Conference in London tomorrow, will argue that character, resilience and creativity are crucial in shaping the ‘schooling of the future’ and that schools should instil in young people the traits for success demanded by the digital revolution and rapidly evolving labour market.

Tristram Hunt will say that schools should take a proactive stance: instilling grit, determination and the ability to work in teams in challenging circumstances. He will argue that it should not be left to chance and circumstance:

“Character is not best taught through adversity - its study belongs in the supportive, dedicated and aspirational communities that the best schools provide.”

Hunt will say that character and creativity are at the heart of his vision for schooling in the 21st century:

“We need to re-emphasise two fundamental educational capabilities that are in serious danger of being crowded out.

“These qualities are, I believe, vitally important in preparing young people for the economy of the future.

“They are important in our push to raise academic attainment and deliver educational excellence for all.

“But most of all they are important because they are valuable in terms of the type of education we want our young people to enjoy in order to reach their fullest potential.

“They are: character and creativity.”

Hunt will argue that there is a growing body of evidence that shows character can be taught:

“Emerging research from people like Professor James Heckman at the University of Chicago and Professor James Arthur at the University of Birmingham clearly demonstrates that character can be taught.”

Hunt will call on teacher training providers to embed the teaching of character and resilience into teacher training:

“What is clear is that this is about more than bolting on some music lessons or sports clubs to the school day.

“No, this is about learning from the rigorous academic discipline that is character education and implementing a holistic approach that goes beyond extra-curricular activities and into the classroom.

“So I am calling upon teacher training providers to include character education in initial teacher training. And we should encourage all schools to use the curriculum freedoms at their disposal to embed character education and resilience across their curricula.”

Hunt will argue that character development boosts the ability of young people to bounce back from setbacks:

“Moreover, research clearly shows that vulnerable and disadvantaged young people are far more likely to deal with the consequences of failure and setbacks in a negative way.

“Character is not best taught through adversity - its study belongs in the supportive, dedicated and aspirational communities that the best schools provide.

“Now I am not the kind of politician to tell professionals how to do their job – how many lines pupils should write or litter they should pick up.

“But what I hope I am doing is using my position as a democratically elected politician – and aspirant Secretary of State – to indicate what matters to a forthcoming Labour government and what evidence is available to endorse it.

“By prioritising character, moral purpose and the education of well-rounded individuals as well as academic attainment, the Labour Party is demonstrating its commitment to taking some of those deeper cultural challenges head on.”