Curriculum and Assessment Review

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Chris Hinchliff

Wednesday 5th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Bridget Phillipson]

In 2026, it will be the National Year of Reading, and in our work on that, we are thinking about not just physical books that can be delivered to children, but what a strong digital offer could look like. I encourage the hon. Gentleman to get involved in that process.

[Chris Hinchliff (North East Hertfordshire) (Ind)]

I really welcome the efforts to curtail the excessive examination time that our children are facing. It does not help real learning and is having a big impact on the mental health of the younger generation. What opportunities does the Secretary of State see for introducing more modern approaches to teaching that offer opportunities to learn through play and would provide wider access to education than traditional methods do?

[Bridget Phillipson]

We want to ensure that as we reduce GCSE content by 10%, we do so, together with the regulator, in a way that maintains the validity and integrity of the system. There are a range of different approaches that teachers can benefit from, and the Department provides much in the way of training and development. We always keep that under review to ensure that this is evidence-informed and driven by the best pedagogy.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Chris Hinchliff

Monday 10th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[Bridget Phillipson]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising the important contribution that voluntary and third sector organisations can make. Here in England, through the consultation about relationships, sex and health education, we are looking at what more we can do to ensure that all young people get the support that they need, including in the areas that he has identified.

[Chris Hinchliff (North East Hertfordshire) (Lab)]

School staff in North East Hertfordshire work tirelessly in dilapidated facilities to support students with special educational needs while parents face absurdly long journeys to reach specialist schools, and in the meantime the old Roysia school site in Royston lies vacant. Will the Minister meet me to discuss the school estate in my constituency, and how we can use the Roysia site to meet local special educational needs?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bridget Phillipson and Chris Hinchliff

Monday 4th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Bridget Phillipson]

I will look carefully at the case and ensure that the hon. Gentleman has a meeting with the relevant Minister to discuss it further.

[Chris Hinchliff (North East Hertfordshire) (Lab)]

T10. Many towns and villages across my constituency have experienced rapid population growth in recent years, but education opportunities have not kept pace, so will the Minister meet me to discuss the specific investment needed to expand school places for my constituency’s growing population?