Clause 40

Part of – in a Public Bill Committee at 11:30 am on 17 March 2009.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Nick Gibb Nick Gibb Shadow Minister (Education) (Schools) 11:30, 17 March 2009

There is nothing in the amendment that suggests any of that; it just states that those schools that have sixth forms should offer core, basic academic subjects. I am disappointed by the Minister’s response, and responses throughout the debate, because I expected him to say that he was concerned about how many schools are not entering students for core subjects. For example, 15 per cent. of state secondary schools are not entering any student for A-level geography. I expected him try to persuade the Committee that the Government are tackling the problem and have it in hand.

My concern is that this is just one snapshot set of figures. If we look at the trend, it is moving away from academic subjects in state sixth forms. The consequence of that will be a narrowing of opportunities for sixth-form students in the state sector. That is a concern that we, as a party, want to address, because it narrows opportunities and widens the gap between students from wealthier backgrounds and those from poorer backgrounds, which is unacceptable.

I was partially reassured by the Minister’s response to amendment 261. He repeated the point that the Secretary of State will continue to negotiate funding agreements and will ultimately determine whether an academy sixth form is established, but he did use the phrase that “they will determine the need in the local area.” The Conservatives’ view is that that determination should be made by the provider. If an academy believes that there is a need for a sixth form in a locality, then that is the need established. The concern of people, such as Dr. Moynihan, is that in some local authority areas where there are surplus places in schools—because the quality is very poor and parents are unhappy—it could be argued that there is no need. My concern is that the Secretary of State will make the decision that there is no need for sixth forms in those particular areas. I am reassured by his answer, but only if the Secretary of State believes that the need should be determined by the providers, and not by some arbitrary means such as surplus places.