A government video featuring Gemma Collins has sparked a mix of criticism, ranging from elitism to negativity, according to a Cabinet minister. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stood by the social media clips where the reality TV personality emphasized the value of education.
During a visit to the Department for Education, Collins, known from The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), engaged in discussions about educational pathways despite her limited academic background. While the video drew backlash on social platforms questioning Collins’s qualifications and the department’s focus, it garnered significant attention.
Phillipson defended the choice of Collins, highlighting her broad audience appeal and the positive message she conveyed about the importance of education. The clips, including Collins sharing her struggles with math but love for reading, aimed to inspire young people to pursue various educational paths.
Despite criticism from education unions and some lawmakers, the DfE hailed the video’s success, noting its high viewership and engagement rates. Phillipson also emphasized the government’s efforts to offer diverse vocational opportunities alongside traditional academic routes for students.
While some questioned the decision to involve a celebrity in education discussions, Phillipson reiterated her commitment to engaging with parents and education professionals daily. The debate surrounding the video highlighted differing opinions on who should be leading conversations about education and the challenges faced by schools and families.
