Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Lord McLoughlin Excerpts
Monday 29th January 2018

(6 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds
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We have a framework in place around multi-academy trusts. Academies have been a fundamental part of the improvements that we have seen in schools. Multi-academy trusts, in turn, are a fundamental part of making sure that good practice can be spread more widely across the system. We have the good practice guidance that is published. There are audited accounts and various processes. Ultimately, as Secretary of State, I am accountable to Parliament for the performance of the schools system. In turn, the regional schools commissioners are accountable to me.

Lord McLoughlin Portrait Sir Patrick McLoughlin (Derbyshire Dales) (Con)
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Will my right hon. Friend, in promoting multi-academy trusts, also show the role that secondary schools can have in leading primary schools that become part of those trusts? That is very important for people attending primary schools and then going on to the secondary school in due course.

Damian Hinds Portrait Damian Hinds
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My right hon. Friend, with his great experience, makes a very important point. The different phases of education, working together, can share a great deal of expertise.