Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the proportion of secondary schools rated (a) good or (b) outstanding in the North East compared to (i) London and (ii) other regions of the UK.

In the North East, 20% of secondary schools were judged outstanding, and 46% of secondary schools were judged good, in their last inspection. In London, 38% of secondary schools were judged outstanding, and 51% of secondary schools were judged good, in their last inspection. In England, 23% of secondary schools were judged outstanding, and 56% of secondary schools were judged good, in their last inspection. As set out in Ofsted’s annual report, published on 13 December, the quality of education provided to young people today is better than ever.

The department recently published the report, ‘Unlocking Talent, Fulfilling Potential’, a copy of which has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. It sets out how we will tackle entrenched barriers to opportunity at every stage of life. Increasing equality of opportunity across the country sits at the heart of this approach. For example, in schools, we will introduce higher retention payments of £7,500 for maths teachers working in challenging areas. We will also prioritise the growth of high quality multi-academy trusts and Teaching Schools in challenging areas by targeting the £53 million Multi-Academy Trust Development and Improvement Fund on areas of weak capacity.

In addition, the £140 million Strategic School Improvement Fund is a grant to support schools to develop a school-led system further, and aims to target resources at the schools most in need to improve school performance and pupil attainment.