Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, for what reasons her Department collects data on pupils' nationality and country of birth; and how that data is used.

The new data on nationality, country of birth and English language proficiency will, for the first time, assist the understanding of the impact of migration on schools. For example, what extra support the Government may need to provide to schools with high numbers of children who do not speak English as a first language. It will also help to plan for enough good school places for every child.

Without the evidence and data, the Department cannot have a clear picture of how the school system is working. It will ensure that funds are allocated where needed and that no groups of children miss out on the education they deserve.

The new data on nationality and country of birth is solely for DfE analysts to use for research. This data has not been shared outside the Department.

To address any uncertainties regarding how this information should be collected or used, an information note is placed in the House Libraries.