Social Mobility: Regional Attainment Gap

Lord Beecham Excerpts

Tuesday 26th February 2019 Lords Chamber

[Lord Agnew of Oulton]

I get the sense that the noble Lord does not approve of that great institution—but even his party has had many leaders from it.

[Lord Beecham (Lab)]

My Lords, disadvantaged pupils in the north-east have the lowest scores in the country. Would the Minister or other members of the department be prepared to discuss the situation in the north-east with local authorities in that region? Again, I refer to my local government interests.

[Lord Agnew of Oulton]

My Lords, I am pleased to be able to tell the House about Opportunity North East, a programme launched in that area specifically to address underperformance. We have five priorities: addressing the progress—or lack of progress for some children—between primary and secondary, improving secondary outcomes, helping schools attract and retain great teachers, improving pathways into great careers, and likewise on to higher education. I chair the board that is running this work and we are bringing together universities, employers, LEPs, local authorities and academies in that area specifically to address the noble Lord’s concerns.