Exam Reform

Debate between David Rutley and Michael Gove

Monday 17th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

There is a lot to admire in Wales, including the hon. Gentleman. I do not, however, admire the way that the regulator and the Education and Skills Minister are one and the same, and we must separate decisions taken by politicians from those taken by regulators. That is the approach taken in England, and I think it is better.

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

I welcome the commitment of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to ensuring an absolute focus on genuine educational attainment, rather than grade inflation. Will he reassure the House by confirming that the planned consultation exercise will focus not only on course content but on how the new exams will be implemented to ensure maximum possible success?

[Michael Gove]

Yes. My hon. Friend makes an important point and we will do everything we can to ensure that the consultation includes not only content but method of assessment and support for teachers.

Schools White Paper

Debate between David Rutley and Michael Gove

Wednesday 24th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con)]

I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement. Will he say a little more about his plans for teaching schools, and in particular how they will better support the schools around them?

[Michael Gove]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his remarks. The teaching schools that we will establish must act as hubs and serve as an exemplar of how teachers can be trained for all schools in their area. At present, we have that model of teaching school in embryo in Manchester, the black country and London. We want to spread them, so as to ensure that in the south-west, the south-east and the north-east there are more great and outstanding schools providing that sort of support.