Debates between Baroness Morgan of Cotes and Lord Benyon during the 2015-2017 Parliament

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Debate between Baroness Morgan of Cotes and Lord Benyon
Wednesday 13th April 2016

(8 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Baroness Morgan of Cotes Portrait Nicky Morgan
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I will come on to that. My hon. Friend is right, and it is perfectly fair to ask that question. We are allowing six years for the change to be made. As a former Education Minister, he will recognise the benefits of allowing front-line professionals—heads, teachers and governors—to run their schools.

Lord Benyon Portrait Richard Benyon (Newbury) (Con)
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Like most Conservative Members, I am a great supporter of academies and they have been a great success in my constituency. Will the Secretary of State say something about the capacity of small primary schools, particularly in rural areas, to make that change?

Baroness Morgan of Cotes Portrait Nicky Morgan
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I will, and I recognise that there will be challenges for smaller schools in taking on the responsibilities of becoming stand-alone academy trusts, and we look forward to working with Members across the House on that.