Author: Professor Bharat Pankhania, Mayor of Bath
As Mayor of the City of Bath, I have chosen Education is Empowerment as my theme for the year.
Further to my own experience of education liberating and empowering me, I want to bring the same goodness and opportunity for everyone in our city of Bath. We are a city that values its past while looking confidently to the future, and education sits at the heart of that balance.
That is why I am delighted to be launching a new collaboration with the University of Bath that puts this theme into action, connecting research, civic leadership, and local communities to help widen opportunities for everyone across our city.
Education matters deeply to me, not only as a civic priority but because it has shaped my own life. It is not simply about acquiring knowledge; it is about developing critical thinking, wisdom, and sound judgement, particularly in a world increasingly affected by misinformation.
At its best, education unlocks human potential. It gives people the confidence to dream, to innovate, and to contribute meaningfully, empowering us not only to improve our own lives but also to support others.
Bath is rightly proud of its strong educational performance, with superb attainment across many of our state and independent schools. However, we also know that this success is not shared equally in every part of our city. There remain pockets where attainment is lower and where opportunity does not yet match potential.
As Mayor, it is my ambition to do what I can to help close those gaps, ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, has the best possible chance to excel through education and to achieve their lifetime best.
Growing up, I saw first-hand how education can transform lives, including my own. It opened doors and created opportunities, giving me the confidence to contribute as an individual, as a clinician, and as an academic, and to speak up for myself and on behalf of others. I also believe strongly that education is a lifelong endeavour, and that the opportunities it creates should be accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
These beliefs sit at the heart of my decision to work in partnership with the University of Bath and the South West Doctoral Training Partnership on a new PhD initiative to build an evidence base around this theme.
I am particularly pleased that this work will draw on the talents of Gopika and Yusuf, two outstanding early-career researchers with international experience and a strong commitment to the public good. Their role is to explore what is education excellence and then help turn ideas and evidence into practical action, grounded in the lived realities of our communities here in Bath.
Education has long been one of Bath’s greatest strengths. By working together, the city, the University, and our communities can ensure it remains a powerful force for opportunity, inclusion, and empowerment for all. I am excited about what this collaboration can achieve and look forward to the impact it will have.
I warmly encourage anyone with an interest in education, opportunity, and the future of our city to follow this work and to get in touch if you would like to learn more or be part of the conversation.
Professor Bharat Pankhania is the 798th Mayor of Bath, a public health specialist and academic, and a Councillor for Combe Down.
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