We are delighted to announce that Comprehensive Future has invited three distinguished figures to become our new patrons:

  • Lord Mike Watson of Invergowrie, Labour peer

  • Baroness Natalie Bennett of Manor Castle, Green peer

  • Professor Peter Mandler, Cambridge historian

Their commitment to educational equality, evidence-based policy and removing the barriers created by selection makes them valuable ambassadors for our mission.

Lord Mike Watson of Invergowrie

Lord Watson has served as the Labour Party’s Shadow Education Spokesperson in the House of Lords, and has extensive experience across UK and Scottish education policy. His career spans teaching adult learners through the WEA, trade-union work and decades in Parliament. He brings a strong voice for educational justice, and has been a helpful ally to CF on many occasions in the past.

Baroness Natalie Bennett of Manor Castle

Baroness Bennett is a former leader of the Green Party and now a peer in the House of Lords, where she continues to champion holistic, inclusive schooling rather than early academic selection.

Her public focus on “education for life, not just exams” aligns neatly with Comprehensive Future’s aim to end the 11-plus and build schools which nurture all children.

Professor Peter Mandler

Professor Mandler is Professor of Modern Cultural History at University of Cambridge and his research focuses on the history of education in Britain since 1945, social mobility and equality.

He brings CF academic rigour and historical insight, strengthening our campaign with evidence on how selective systems emerged and why comprehensive reform has long been overdue.

By welcoming these three patrons, we’re strengthening our voice at an important moment for education. Their experience, insight and public support will be invaluable as we continue making the case for a fairer, fully comprehensive system. We’re delighted to have them on board and look forward to working with them in the year ahead.