Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Justin Tomlinson Excerpts
Monday 1st December 2014

(9 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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It is always useful to have a bit of information about Ministers’ eating habits.

Justin Tomlinson Portrait Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con)
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23. [906352] I have championed the New College bid for a new free school in North Swindon, which would help to deliver much needed high-quality school places in my growing constituency. Will the Minister comment on the importance of local groups coming together to set up free schools?

Nick Gibb Portrait Mr Gibb
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I thank New College and other proposers that have submitted free school applications for their hard work and commitment. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for his work and support for the New College bid. Free schools are giving local communities and teachers the freedom to come together and establish new high-quality schools that are raising academic standards. We are currently assessing all wave 8 applications against the published criteria, and we will soon write to applicants to notify them whether they have been selected for interview.