Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gavin Williamson and Mary Robinson

Monday 9th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

I would be very happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss that in detail with those stakeholders.

[Mary Robinson (Cheadle) (Con)]

3. What steps his Department is taking to improve (a) quality and (b) choice in (i) further and (ii) higher education provision.

[The Secretary of State for Education (Gavin Williamson)]

We are increasing the funding for 16-to-19 participation through T-levels, and providing support for college improvement. The Office for Students and Ofsted hold HE and FE providers to account for delivery quality and successful outcomes. The teaching excellence and student outcomes framework and new digital tools provide data support in student choice.

[Mary Robinson]

Last week, at the invitation of sixth-former Anna, I visited Cheadle Hulme High School to speak to students. I welcome the announcement that sixth forms across Cheadle will benefit from the £120 million increase in spending. How will the Secretary of State ensure that that funding will help students in Cheadle to access the widest variety of course, opening up opportunities in areas such as high tech, technology, construction, creative industries and so many others that will benefit the Greater Manchester economy?

[Gavin Williamson]

As part of the funding increase for 16 to 19-year-olds, a key element is to ensure we are able to deliver those high-value courses that are sometimes more expensive to put on for students. A key element of the funding is preserved for that. I very much hope it will support my hon. Friend’s constituents. I look forward to continuing to work with her. She has campaigned long and hard to deliver this extra money for the colleges in her constituency.