Oral Answers to Questions

Desmond Swayne Excerpts

Monday 6th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Anne Milton]

It is disappointing that the hon. Gentleman expresses dismay about apprenticeships. We need to talk apprenticeships up. There was a 47% increase between February and April 2017. We know there has been a fall in the number of starts, but that was anticipated because we have brought in a brand new system. He is absolutely right that traineeships play an important part in ensuring a path on which young people can travel to get on, but I urge him to speak up for apprenticeships and apprentices and to do everything in his power to encourage employers to take on apprentices.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

5. What comparative assessment she has made of the educational performance of schools in the UK, with (a) Japan and (b) Germany.

[The Secretary of State for Education (Justine Greening)]

Educational performance in primary schools is continuing to improve in England, with maths scores improving from 2011 to 2015, and science scores improving significantly, too. Japan is among the highest performers in international assessments. Our primary school pupils are outperforming their peers in Germany.

[Sir Desmond Swayne]

Given that we spend more than Germany and Japan per pupil in England, does it show?

[Justine Greening]

My right hon. Friend is correct: our spending is above that of Japan and Germany. What is clear is that spending and investment alone are insufficient. We need the right strategy. Our work on an improved curriculum, investment in teacher development and new schools not just being council-run are key measures lifting up school standards in England.