Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Steve Double and Edward Timpson

Monday 20th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Edward Timpson]

We of course welcome initiatives, such as the one the hon. Lady has described, to widen participation in higher education. In 2017-18, universities intend to spend more than £833 million on measures to improve access and student success through their access agreements for students from disadvantaged backgrounds—up significantly from £404 million in 2009.

[Steve Double (St Austell and Newquay) (Con)]

21. Some of our most deprived communities are found in rural and coastal areas. What account is the Department taking of the particular challenges schools face in rural and coastal areas such as those in Cornwall?

[Edward Timpson]

My hon. Friend will know that part of the consultation is looking at that aspect of our school geography, and the sparsity factor seeks to address it. However, we also have the new opportunity areas, which are looking at parts of the country, including coastal towns, where schools face particular challenges, and we can try to home in on those and spread good practice.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Steve Double and Edward Timpson

Monday 4th July 2016 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Children and Families (Edward Timpson)]

Absolutely.

[Steve Double (St Austell and Newquay) (Con)]

T8. I thank the Schools Minister for his recent visit to the Acorn alternative provision academy in my constituency to see the excellent work that it is doing. Does he agree that the delivery of high quality and innovative alternative provision education is vital to raising the life chances of children who find themselves in the most difficult and challenging situations? Can he update the House on the work that his Department is doing to support alternative provision across the country?