The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) is calling on all candidates standing in September’s House of Keys General Election to sign its education manifesto pledge.

The professional association and trade union, which represents school leaders across the Isle of Man, says education should be a priority for the next administration.

Polling day is due to take place on Thursday September 24, with NAHT urging candidates across all 12 constituencies to support a plan focused on children, school staff, funding and rebuilding trust with the education profession.

The union says it has so far received pledges from 10 candidates - but is now calling on all remaining candidates to sign the pledge.

NAHT's manifesto, titled ‘Our schools. Their future. Your choice’, set Gs out four priorities for the next House of Keys.

These are ensuring every child is ready to learn and properly supported; tackling workload and valuing the education workforce; delivering fair funding and future-ready schools; and building trust, accountability and partnership with school leaders.

Robert Kelsall, assistant general secretary for school leaders’ union NAHT, said: ‘Education cannot be an afterthought in this election. Every child on the Isle of Man deserves a school system that is properly funded, ambitious for their future and supported by a valued, trusted workforce.

‘We welcome and thank the candidates who have already signed the NAHT pledge. Now we are asking every candidate, in every constituency, to show voters that they are serious about education.

‘Sign the pledge, listen to school leaders and make our schools a priority because our schools are the future of the island.’

NAHT is also encouraging voters to ask candidates what action they would take on education if elected, while calling on the next House of Keys to work directly with school leaders after the election.