Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Nigel Mills Excerpts
Monday 2nd March 2015

(9 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Baroness Morgan of Cotes Portrait Nicky Morgan
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I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman that a good education is exactly that: it is all about enhancing the life chances of all the young people at those schools. If he wants to let us have the names of those schools, I am of course happy to follow the issue up with DFE officials and the regional schools commissioner, as well as working with the heads directly.

Nigel Mills Portrait Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con)
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T3. On that subject, does the Secretary of State agree that improving the links with local businesses and schools is key? Will she therefore welcome the interest that David Nieper Ltd has shown in sponsoring Alfreton Grange arts college?

Baroness Morgan of Cotes Portrait Nicky Morgan
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I entirely agree with my hon. Friend’s points, and I would like to congratulate the company he mentioned on its sponsorship. Professional standards of governance in schools are vital, and we want to make sure that governing boards are focused on recruiting people with the skills for the role. People from business have valuable transferable skills and benefit from board-level experience. I want to see more employers encouraging and supporting their staff to volunteer as governors. This is something I have discussed with the CBI.