Topical Questions

Answer from Gavin Williamson

Last week I announced the Department's intention to explore a post-qualification admissions system for higher education where students would receive and accept offers after they have received their A-level or equivalent grades. As set out in our manifesto, we are committed to levelling up our education system so that everyone with the ability to benefit from higher education can do so, regardless of their background.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

We are committed to ensuring that all schools can function properly. We will continue to work with Ofsted so that our approach ensures high standards and proper safeguarding measures remain, but we must also ensure not to create barriers or obstacles for schools dealing with covid issues.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

We are working closely with devolved Administrations to ensure a consistent approach, highlighting the strength of our higher education system as a Union system and ensuring that all universities can work together across nations.

Answer from Michelle Donelan

Our top priority is ensuring welfare of students, staff, and communities. We will utilise mass testing for a safe return and produce comprehensive guidance.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

Both colleges are great examples of further education provision. We want more FE colleges to come forward, ensuring a focus on skills revolution and productivity in local areas.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

Cross-Government work is ongoing to ensure smooth visa applications for international students. Despite earlier concerns, many international students have been arriving.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

I thank my hon. Friend and pay tribute to the Minister for Universities for ensuring all students will be able to return home for Christmas in an orderly and safe manner.

Answer from Michelle Donelan

Our universities are world leading when it comes to research, and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy recently published a road map. This is a priority for the Government. As the hon. Member will know, Horizon Europe is being actively negotiated with the EU, and that Department has publicly said that it is preparing an alternative should we not be successful in those negotiations.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

Even before he was elected to this House, my hon. Friend was campaigning to ensure that the people of Radcliffe and their children have a high school for their town. We are still in the final phases of allocating round 14 of free schools, but his passionate campaigning has been noted.

Answer from Nick Gibb

Since 2010, everything we have been doing is about closing that attainment gap. We have closed it by 13% in primary school and by 9% in secondary school. The impact of the covid pandemic has been devastating across all sections of society but particularly for disadvantaged pupils. That is why we have implemented a £1 billion catch-up fund.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

I would be more than happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the challenges he faces in his constituency and how we can best assist.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

We are investing in skills right across the country through the lifetime skills guarantee. We want to invest £12 million in our colleges up and down the country, ensuring they have a real impact in local communities. Unionlearn was costing £4 million in admin alone.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

I can absolutely assure my hon. Friend that under-16s should not be using that app. I will take up the point made by him and look at guidance on how best we can give people the right and proper steer.

Answer from Nick Gibb

We will be looking at what more the DFE can do after the spending review to ensure that our anti-bullying programmes are LGBT-inclusive.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

As a Yorkshireman, I would agree that many exemplars come from Yorkshire. The EdTech demonstrators the Department has been rolling out are a brilliant example, and what Malton School is doing really shows how we can use technology to support pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

The hon. Gentleman raises an important point about vaccines. We are working closely across Government to ensure those with greatest clinical need get vaccinated. He highlights a really important issue and I always see education as priority, but would be happy to work with the devolved Administrations for a combined approach.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

There is going to be an opportunity for schools to apply for the next round of condition improvement funding on 14 January. There is more money in this pot than ever before due to increased spending on school improvements.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

We prioritise school opening. We had over 1.6 million children back in school before summer holidays and 99% of schools are open now. We take safety and security seriously and continue to ensure schools remain safe environments.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

My right hon. Friend's teachers would love to do that and is penning in the date. We have set up a national helpline to ensure consistency of advice, working with schools groups and trusts to support common approach.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

My hon. Friend and I share a common passion about adoption. We are driving up the rate of adoption right across the country. Delays in HMCTS mean some adoptions have been held up, but we are meeting with Justice Secretary to see what more can be done.