Coronavirus has had a devastating impact on education, particularly in Stoke-on-Trent where educational outcomes are still below desired levels. The immediate challenge is to get more pupils back to school and improve attendance rates. Jack Brereton praised local headteachers for reopening schools with new distancing measures but noted that attendance varies widely across the city. He emphasised the need for a concerted effort to enhance educational outcomes, especially in disadvantaged communities, and highlighted the importance of levelling up and increasing ambition among young people. The MP also discussed the lack of school places in secondary education and supported plans for a new free school to alleviate admission challenges. Additionally, he stressed the role of partnerships between academia and industry in improving local productivity and supporting advanced manufacturing.