Menu
07/10/2003
Tory 'school's passport' offers parents 'greater say'
The Conservatives have unveiled plans to give parents a "greater say" in choosing schools for their children at their party's conference in Blackpool.
The Shadow Education Secretary Damian Green announced plans today to allow parents to "spend" the amount allocated on their child's education on the school of their choice. Mr Green said the "better schools passport" plan would "revolutionise" the school system.
He told the conference: "Quite simply, these passports will give the money that the state spends on their child's education to the parents and let them decide in which school it should be spent. It will be a passport to a better school for all children. It will offer a radical extension of school choice. It will allow all children to aspire to an excellent education."
Parents would also be given the chance to set up particular types of school in their areas, Mr Green also told the conference. For example, new grammar schools could be established to provide "a ladder out of deprivation for thousands of children".
Mr Green also renewed the Conservative pledge to scrap tuition fees and make university entry subject to "the ability to learn not the ability to pay".
"Education used to be regarded by the pundits as a Labour issue, well no more," he said.
Parents will be given a greater say in choosing schools for their children under Conservative plans unveiled at Party Conference in Blackpool.
(gmcg)
The Shadow Education Secretary Damian Green announced plans today to allow parents to "spend" the amount allocated on their child's education on the school of their choice. Mr Green said the "better schools passport" plan would "revolutionise" the school system.
He told the conference: "Quite simply, these passports will give the money that the state spends on their child's education to the parents and let them decide in which school it should be spent. It will be a passport to a better school for all children. It will offer a radical extension of school choice. It will allow all children to aspire to an excellent education."
Parents would also be given the chance to set up particular types of school in their areas, Mr Green also told the conference. For example, new grammar schools could be established to provide "a ladder out of deprivation for thousands of children".
Mr Green also renewed the Conservative pledge to scrap tuition fees and make university entry subject to "the ability to learn not the ability to pay".
"Education used to be regarded by the pundits as a Labour issue, well no more," he said.
Parents will be given a greater say in choosing schools for their children under Conservative plans unveiled at Party Conference in Blackpool.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 November 2005
Public schools found guilty of fee fixing
Fifty of England’s top public schools have broken competition law by exchanging information about fees, the Office of Fair Trading has announced. Following an investigation lasting more than two years, the OFT found that pupils’ parents ended up paying higher fees as a result of the information-sharing.
Public schools found guilty of fee fixing
Fifty of England’s top public schools have broken competition law by exchanging information about fees, the Office of Fair Trading has announced. Following an investigation lasting more than two years, the OFT found that pupils’ parents ended up paying higher fees as a result of the information-sharing.
08 July 2010
'Growing Appetite' For School Lunches
The number of children eating school lunches in England has seen a significant rise, according to national figures released today. The number of pupils eating healthy food at school has seen the biggest year-on-year percentage point increase since the height of the school meals revolution.
'Growing Appetite' For School Lunches
The number of children eating school lunches in England has seen a significant rise, according to national figures released today. The number of pupils eating healthy food at school has seen the biggest year-on-year percentage point increase since the height of the school meals revolution.
09 September 2004
Citizens Advice highlights school uniform grant crisis
A report launched today by Citizens Advice confirms that school uniform grants are falling far short of covering the financial cost faced by parents. The average cost of a school uniform is now £185, while the average grant available when a child starts secondary school is only £51.27, a mere increase of £2.01 since 2001.
Citizens Advice highlights school uniform grant crisis
A report launched today by Citizens Advice confirms that school uniform grants are falling far short of covering the financial cost faced by parents. The average cost of a school uniform is now £185, while the average grant available when a child starts secondary school is only £51.27, a mere increase of £2.01 since 2001.
03 March 2005
Labour education plan promises 'tailored support'
Labour have launched their five-year education plan with promises to provide 'tailored support' for school children. Plans unveiled by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Education Secretary Ruth Kelly include the provision of extra tuition support for children to help develop strengths and tackle weaknesses.
Labour education plan promises 'tailored support'
Labour have launched their five-year education plan with promises to provide 'tailored support' for school children. Plans unveiled by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Education Secretary Ruth Kelly include the provision of extra tuition support for children to help develop strengths and tackle weaknesses.
11 February 2010
Boost For Lone Parent Job Seekers
Thousands of lone parents will get extra help to attain training and work experience while their children are at nursery school, the Government announced today. Those who work less than 16 hours a week will also be able to keep £50 of their wages before losing any benefits, Work Secretary Yvette Cooper said.
Boost For Lone Parent Job Seekers
Thousands of lone parents will get extra help to attain training and work experience while their children are at nursery school, the Government announced today. Those who work less than 16 hours a week will also be able to keep £50 of their wages before losing any benefits, Work Secretary Yvette Cooper said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
