Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Josh MacAlister

Monday 20th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Josh MacAlister]

The system provides the level of funding necessary to 16-to-19 providers. The Government have made big decisions, which have not been backed by the Conservatives in spending reviews or Budgets, to ensure that the funding is there for colleges to make those choices. On top of that, there is the large programme uplift. In that respect, we are rightly making the decision to prioritise the vast majority of students who are taking more than three A-levels, especially in STEM subjects. We are prioritising those subjects, and we are being frank and honest about that choice. The international baccalaureate can be chosen by colleges where that is right for students.

[Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Slough) (Lab)]

2. What assessment she has made of the potential impact of changes to eligibility criteria for free school meals on levels of children in poverty.