Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Eddie Hughes Excerpts
Monday 11th December 2017

(6 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Robert Goodwill Portrait Mr Goodwill
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Sure Start schemes up and down the country are being delivered by local authorities, and it is up to them to make the decisions. However, we have already discussed the roll-out of hubs by some local authorities, which are proving particularly effective. As I say, it is for local authorities to determine what is best for their children.

Eddie Hughes Portrait Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) (Con)
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Figures released recently by the right hon. Member for Tottenham (Mr Lammy) show that the proportion of students in my constituency who get the top grades and go to top universities is lower than in the south-east of the country. What action can the Government take to address that inequality?

Lord Johnson of Marylebone Portrait Joseph Johnson
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Data published by UCAS today shows that the 18-year-old entry rate to full-time education in Walsall North has increased by 54% compared with 2006. In our last guidance to the director of fair access, we asked that areas with the poorest progression to university received particular attention.