Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what reports he has received on Limehurst Primary School's partnership with China and its recent award from the British Council; and whether Opportunity Area Funding for that partnership will be (a) maintained or (b) increased.

I congratulate Limehurst Primary School on its receipt of the British Council International School Award and on its successful partnership with the Youfu Primary School, in Nanjing. The government attaches great importance to international education links and partnerships for the language and cultural benefits they bring.

The school’s partnership with Youfu Primary School pre-dates the Opportunity Area programme, but it clearly shares our determination to broaden the horizons of children in areas such as Royton. We hope that more schools in Opportunity Areas will take advantage of the International School Award and other school linking programmes that bring an international outlook and enrich children’s knowledge.