Debates between Damian Hinds and Gareth Johnson during the 2017-2019 Parliament

Mon 14th May 2018

Schools That Work For Everyone

Debate between Damian Hinds and Gareth Johnson
Monday 14th May 2018

(6 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds
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There is capital money available not only for expanding places but for school condition, and there may be occasions when other moves are required for the school estate. I cannot comment in detail right now on the case that my hon. Friend has raised, but I will be happy to discuss it with him.

Gareth Johnson Portrait Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con)
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Speaking as a former Kentish grammar school boy, I too welcome this funding. This is one of the few occasions on which I can recall extra money being made available specifically for grammar schools. Does the Secretary of State agree that we should never aspire to a one-size-fits-all education system? Grammar schools have a crucial role to play in achieving the diversity that he speaks about, and they tend to be good or outstanding schools, so it makes absolute sense that we should allow them to flourish and expand.

Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds
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My hon. Friend puts it extremely well. One size does not fit all. The grammar schools in this country are a relatively small part of the overall diverse schools system.