Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Low-Performing Areas: Education Funding

Monday 23 May 2022 · 10 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial funding for education has increased by 4 billion, a 7% rise per pupil in cash terms.
  • The Department plans to provide high-speed broadband to all schools by 2025 and offers a 150 million programme for network upgrades.
  • The Secretary of State supports transparency in education data to monitor and improve schools' performance.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nicholas Fletcher
Education
Context

The MP is concerned about low-performing areas and their need for additional educational investment.

Question

I am concerned about the steps being taken to invest in education in low-performing areas. What specific actions are you taking?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

To help all pupils achieve their potential, core schools funding has been increased by £4 billion, a 7% increase in cash terms per pupil this year. Additionally, £2.6 billion of that funding is being directed towards low prior attainment children through the national funding formula.

Answered
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Q2 Scott Benton
Education Energy
Context

The MP is addressing the issue of digital exclusion affecting pupils from low-income families, particularly regarding access to IT equipment for learning at home.

Question

Schools in Blackpool receive additional funding through our status as an opportunity area and an education investment area. However, headteachers often raise concerns about digital exclusion due to a lack of IT equipment among lower-income students. What specific steps is the Department taking to address this issue?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

To address digital exclusion, I am working to ensure every school has access to high-speed broadband connectivity by 2025. Priority schools in education improvement areas can access our £150 million programme for internal network infrastructure upgrades. During the pandemic, we provided devices, wi-fi and data to disadvantaged students.

Answered
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Q3 Julie Marson
Context

The MP is supporting a campaign called 'Turn on the Subtitles' to improve children's literacy, especially in low-performing areas. The campaign has received approval from Nesta.

Question

I am supporting my Bishop's Stortford constituents' 'Turn on the Subtitles' campaign to improve literacy levels across all demographics but particularly among those in low-performing areas. What plans does my right hon. Friend have to review and invest in this evidence-backed initiative?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

We share a commitment to raising literacy standards. I thank Henry Warren and Oli Barrett MBE for their work in improving literacy levels. While it is a choice for parents whether their child watches television with subtitles on, it certainly makes a difference.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address the specific plans to review evidence or encourage adoption of the campaign.

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Q4 Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley
Education
Context

The MP is concerned about data and transparency for monitoring educational improvements across Eastleigh.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that data and transparency are crucial to monitor and act quickly on improving schools across Eastleigh?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

Data and transparency are our greatest allies in education improvement. We aim to deliver against set targets, share plans and performance data as key levers for rapid improvement. I have committed to publishing a delivery plan and a performance dashboard.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific steps but acknowledged the importance of transparency.

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Q5 Nicholas Fletcher
Education
Context

The MP is celebrating the good work being done on children's education in Doncaster, highlighting the role models project.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the future of children's education in Doncaster has never been brighter due to excellent steps taken by this Government? Will he visit and see for himself the good work being done?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

I am delighted that the role models project is connecting schools in Don Valley to local professionals. I look forward to joining my hon. Friend and seeing the project for myself.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address the broader question about future education but invited himself to visit.

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Q6 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Education Energy
Context

The MP is concerned about the use of school funding to address rising energy costs, affecting teaching budgets.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that increases in funding for schools should be spent on education not propping up failing energy companies? What specific actions are being taken regarding this issue?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

The 7% increase in funding includes headroom. Energy represents about 1.4-1.5% of schools' budgets but has increased due to spikes for out-of-contract schools, reaching up to 9%. We are keeping a close eye on the matter and advise schools close to contract expiry to contact us.

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Q7 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Education
Context

Concern over lack of progress in educational attainment, particularly at secondary level, in schools across Stockport and Tameside.

Question

I am really concerned at the lack of progress in educational attainment, particularly at secondary level, in schools in parts of my constituency across Stockport and Tameside. What action is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that all parents have the choice of schools with good performance and that children have the opportunities that a good education can bring?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

I know that the hon. Gentleman and I share the same passion in what we want for every child. I do not believe that children in Stockport are less talented than children in South Kensington; they have just not had the same opportunity of a great teacher in every classroom in every school. I am determined to deliver that through the White Paper.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions and timeline to improve educational attainment in underperforming areas were not provided

How: I Know That The Hon. Gentleman And I Share The Same Passion

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Q8 Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Education Scotland
Context

Concern over Highland Council schools being ranked as worst in Scotland for numeracy and literacy among P1, P4, and P7 pupils.

Question

You will understand, Mr Speaker, how disturbed I was to learn that Highland Council schools have been ranked as the worst in the whole of Scotland for numeracy and literacy among P1, P4 and P7 pupils. These children are our future. We used to be proud of Scottish education. Will the Government share their best practice with the Scottish Government so that this scandal is sorted out?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

That is concerning, I have to say, because although education is devolved, we care about the whole United Kingdom. I am very happy to share our work through the education White Paper and the education Bill, and what we are doing on skills, with T-levels and the lifelong learning entitlement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or timeline to address poor performance in Scottish schools were not provided

How: Although Education Is Devolved

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Q9 Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield
Education
Context

Institute for Fiscal Studies reveals that since 2010, the most deprived secondary schools have suffered a 14% cut in spending compared to just 9% for affluent schools. The national funding formula makes disparity worse.

Question

I am more interested in the Government's record on academic inequality than in their rhetoric. The annual review of education by the Institute for Fiscal Studies reveals that since 2010, the most deprived secondary schools have suffered a 14% cut in spending, while for the most affluent schools the figure is just 9%. The new national funding formula makes the disparity worse. Why do they not at least have the courage to admit it?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

The hon. Gentleman makes some powerful points, but they are completely misguided. He speaks with great passion, but without looking at the evidence before us. The past 12 years demonstrate that schools have been on an improvement journey.

Not addressed: Acknowledging or addressing education funding inequality

How: The Hon. Gentleman Makes Some Powerful Points, But They Are Completely Misguided

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Q10 Carol Monaghan SNP
Education
Context

Concern over reliance on private schools for free school investments where government funding is lacking.

Question

I am sure that Members on both sides of the House will join me in wishing all the young people throughout the United Kingdom who are currently sitting their national exams the best of success. The Secretary of State has praised private schools, including Eton, for building free schools in places such as Oldham, which, according to him, need that investment in education. Can he confirm that it is now Government policy to rely on private school investment where Government funds have been lacking?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

I completely agree with the hon. Lady that we should send our congratulations to the brilliant teachers who have delivered the 650,000 pupils who have taken their key stage 2 standard assessment tests this month.

Not addressed: Clarifying policy on reliance on private schools for investment in education

How: I Completely Agree With The Hon. Lady That We Should Send Our Congratulations

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