(9 years, 8 months ago)
Commons Chamber3. If she will undertake a reassessment of the merits of grammar schools.
The law prohibits the establishment of new grammar schools, but we fully support the right of all good schools to expand, and that applies to grammar schools too. What is most important is that all children have access to a good local school, and we are committed to delivering that through our academies and free schools programmes.
Does the Minister have much sympathy with the argument that academically selective schools in the state sector can enhance social mobility?
I know that the hon. Gentleman’s party says that it has a clear policy on grammar schools—that is a relief, because at least it has a clear policy on something. Does he agree with his party’s leader, who said that the party was not going to publish its manifesto until as late as practically possible? May I suggest 8 May?
(9 years, 10 months ago)
Commons ChamberWe as a Government have always said that we would keep that section under review, but I believe that it will be much better, and we shall achieve much more systemic change, with companies thinking very hard about the pay that they offer their employees and about the diversity in their work force, if we work with them on the voluntary approach—the Think, Act, Report approach—rather than burdening them with more regulations.
4. What steps her Department is taking to reduce homophobic bullying of young people in England and Wales.