education committee | Schools Week

Grading system risks ‘inaccuracy and bias’ against disadvantaged pupils, MPs warn

Pupils are at risk of missing out on the results they deserve because of “inaccuracy and bias” in this year’s new grading system, MPs have warned. The education select committee has called on Ofqual reveal details of how it will standardise grades immediately, so schools know how the regulator has ensured “fairness”. It follows a […]

‘There’s still challenges’ – Williamson grilled over FSM voucher scheme

The government still faces “some challenges” over its national free school meals voucher system, the education secretary has admitted, despite the scheme now entering its fourth week of operation. Gavin Williamson appeared in front of the Parliamentary education committee today. Here’s what we learned. 1. ‘Big challenges’ of FSM voucher scheme MPs grilled Williamson […]

Coronavirus: Routine inspections not likely before summer, says Spielman

Ofsted is unlikely to resume routine inspections of schools this academic year, Amanda Spielman has told MPs. The chief inspector appeared in front of the Parliamentary education committee by video link this morning, to answer questions about coronavirus and other pressing issues facing the inspectorate. Here’s what we learned. 1. Routine inspections unlikely before […]

Coronavirus: Committee of MPs to probe DfE’s response to disease

The response of the Department for Education to the coronavirus outbreak and the impact of the disease on schools will be investigated by an influential committee of MPs. The parliamentary education committee has launched an inquiry into the impact of COVID-19 on education and children’s services. It follows criticism of the government’s support for schools […]

Investigation: SEND funding crisis pits parents and schools against councils

Council bosses say pressure on their SEND budgets leaves them at risk of not being able to deliver core services – which would result in the government imposing emergency spending controls. Dave Hill, executive director of children, families and learning at Surrey County Council, this week told the education select committee that councils have been […]

Minister: It’s ‘not impossible’ for schools to meet apprentice hiring targets

It is “not impossible” for schools to meet apprentice recruitment targets, but they may need extra help, the skills minister said today. Anne Milton insisted to MPs that the public sector apprenticeship target – which requires public bodies to hire 2.3 per cent of their workforce as apprentices every year – is achievable for schools, […]

Careers and Enterprise Company will face questions from MPs

The parliamentary education committee will question the leaders of the government’s Careers Enterprise Company next week. Claudia Harris, the organisation’s chief executive, will appear alongside chair Christine Hodgson on Wednesday May 16. They will answer questions about the company’s role in the delivery of the government’s careers strategy and their wider work coordinating careers and enterprise support and guidance. […]

MPs demand action to improve education in the north

An influential group of MPs has written to the education secretary to demand immediate improvement to education in the north of England. The parliamentary education committee wrote to Damian Hinds after a hearing last week with former chancellor George Osborne and other representatives of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership highlighted a “stark educational attainment gap between the […]

George Osborne to be questioned about pupil disadvantage in the north

Former chancellor George Osborne will be questioned by the parliamentary education committee about the state of education and support for disadvantaged pupils in the north of England. MPs will grill Osborne, now editor of the London Evening Standard, in his capacity as chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP) on May 2. He will be […]