Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Institutes of Technology

Monday 10 March 2025 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial questions were raised about the future of institutes of technology, focusing on Swindon's IOT.
  • The response highlighted the role of IOTs in delivering higher level technical qualifications.
  • The government acknowledged the need to support girls and young women in taking STEM subjects.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Will Stone Lab Swindon North
Education
Context

The institutes of technology (IOTs) are focused on local employer needs and talent development through education-industry partnerships.

Question

What recent progress has been made on determining the future of the institutes of technology, especially in relation to Swindon's IOT?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)

IOTs bring together further education and higher education providers to deliver higher level technical qualifications including degrees and apprenticeships. I could offer to meet my hon. Friend, but I am sure he would much prefer to meet my noble Friend the Skills Minister from the other place. I will raise his request with her.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting directly with Will Stone instead of proposing a direct meeting

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Q2 Rebecca Smith Con South West Devon
Education Science & Technology
Context

The Stimulating Physics Network has been working to improve the knowledge, skills and confidence of non-specialist science teachers in secondary schools. Funding for this scheme was cancelled from 31 March.

Question

What are the plans to fill the gap left by the SPN's cancellation, ensuring the value of physics teaching in schools is maintained and reassuring committed teachers like my constituent Thom?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Janet Daby)

We absolutely support girls and young women to take STEM subjects. It is interesting that the Conservatives did funding mid-year, which is unusual. As I am sure that they will be aware, hard decisions need to be made because of the difficult fiscal situation inherited by this Government. We will continue to do more to get girls into STEM subjects; we are absolutely committed to this.

Not addressed: SPN cancellation and funding gap

How: Blames Previous Government, Shifts Focus To Fiscal Situation

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