Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Esther McVey Excerpts
Monday 2nd March 2026

(1 day, 8 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Josh MacAlister Portrait Josh MacAlister
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I gladly congratulate Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group on its recent Ofsted rating, which is fantastic, and I note my hon. Friend’s support for its application to become a wave 2 technical excellence college. The applications closed on 16 February, and we expect to make and announce a decision next month.

Esther McVey Portrait Esther McVey (Tatton) (Con)
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Alderley Edge school for girls, in my constituency, has just announced its closure, blaming increased costs, such as national insurance costs, and, most significantly, VAT on school fees. Given that the Secretary of State is responsible for its closure, what will she do to help minimise the disruption to pupils who are now being forced to change school against their wishes, and to look for places in schools in the Cheshire East area that either no longer exist or are full?