Education ministries and unions are being urged to partner up to develop policies.

This view is said to be held by many of those attending the International Summit on the Teaching Profession currently being held in Edinburgh, Scotland. The ISTP is attended by ministers and unions, government officials, teaching professionals and education experts.

Head of the NZ Post Primary Teacher's Association Jack Boyle is at the summit, and said there's a general consensus that "the best way to get sustainable and robust education policy is in partnership".

Mr Boyle said he is on board with this approach.

"If you partner up, even though it can be the subject of tension, if you press through, look to collaborate and find a shared space, then the policy that falls out at the end of it is generally a lot better."

The ISTP is organised by the UK and Scottish Government, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Education International (EI).