While we’re on our summer break, The Front Page is looking back at some of the biggest news stories and top rated episodes from the podcast this year.  

One of the big talking points in Aotearoa for years has been the state of our education.  

Concerns over falling test results, and dropping numeracy and literacy rates have worried parents, educators and politicians for some time – and this all became worse during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.  

The new National-led government has vowed to tackle education head on, but what exactly is needed to achieve this? 

Back in March, the Herald’s Making the Grade series, in collaboration with the New Zealand Initiative, explored what we need to do to repair this damaged system. 

Damien Venuto caught up with NZI Senior Fellow Michael Johnston to discuss what it will take to get our education sector back on track.  

New episodes return January 15th.