Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to build self-confidence in children and young people in secondary schools, especially those who do not perform highly in academic subjects.

The Government has high aspirations for all children. In order to achieve their potential all children need strong academic skills as well as a complementary set of character attributes, such as resilience and grit, which underpin success in education and employment. That is why we have invested £5 million to expand the capacity of schools and voluntary organisations to deliver character education.

The Government is also committed to expanding the National Citizen Service so that every 16 and 17 year old is guaranteed a place on the programme. Participation in the National Citizen Service gives young people the chance to develop skills for work and life beyond school.