Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to tackle disparities in education and skill levels between the North East and (a) London and (b) other regions of the UK.

The department recently published an action plan for driving social mobility through education (Unlocking Talent, Fulfilling Potential, which can be found at: http://qna.files.parliament.uk/ws-attachments/806404/original/Social%20Mobility%20Action%20Plan.pdf).

This plan sets out how we will tackle entrenched barriers to opportunity at every life stage. Increasing equality of opportunity across the country sits at the heart of this approach.

For example, in the early years, we will improve early language and literacy for disadvantaged pupils through £50 million of new investment, targeted in areas of the country where outcomes are weak. This will include £26 million for a new national network of school-led English Hubs to promote and share excellence, with a particular focus on reception year. This includes the investment we have already announced for these hubs in the Northern Powerhouse region.