Nick Gibb appears to have held on to his schools minister role, with prime minister Theresa May confirming this morning he will remain a minister of state under the Department for Education (DfE). Although unconfirmed, Gibb is likely to keep his schools brief. He is joined in the department by Robert Halfon who is likely to be responsible for further education, skills and apprenticeships. It is unclear who is replacing former children’s minister Sam Gyimah and who will pick up his brief, which included the controversial national fair funding formula. One option would be to expand Gibb’s role to include this alongside all school elements. Gibb has retained his role despite supporting Michael Gove for leader. Another Gove supporter, Nicky Morgan, was sacked as education secretary this week, replaced by Justine Greening. Gibb tweeted today: “Delighted to be re-appointed to the DfE. Passionate about continuing the drive to improve academic standards in schools. #phonics”
Chalkface 17 July 2016 Does this mean that the academies drive continues? Hardly a priority I would have thought.