Michael Gove: On 23 January, I wrote to Ofqual's Chief Regulator setting out my intention to reform A levels and to retain the AS. The AS will be redesigned as a high quality, stand-alone qualification that will be as intellectually demanding as an A level, and cover half of the content.
Michael Gove: We are reforming GCSEs to make them linear, with all assessments taken at the end of the course, and with internal assessment kept to a minimum. The new exams will test extended writing, have fewer bite-sized, overly structured questions, and in maths and science will have a greater emphasis on quantitative problem-solving. As the independent qualifications regulator, Ofqual will continue to...
Michael Gove: Last year we asked Doug Richard to lead an independent review into apprenticeships. His report, published in November, underlined the importance of improving quality and raising standards in apprenticeships. He recommended that apprenticeships should be redefined so that they are targeted only at those who are new to a job or role that requires sustained and substantial training, that there...
Michael Gove: A high quality teacher in every classroom is essential for raising standards in schools. Our strategy to recruit the best graduates to train as teachers and move to a school-led system of training, has led to 71% of teacher trainees with a 1(st) class or a 2:1 degree starting teacher training this year. This is the highest proportion recorded.
Michael Gove: The Sutton Trust is a brilliant organisation. The aims of Open Access are admirable. But our focus must be on transforming all state schools. Through the expansion of the Academies programme and the introduction of free schools, we are increasing the number of good school places—many of them in disadvantaged areas.
Michael Gove: The majority of secondary schools are academies in 47 local authorities.
Michael Gove: There are 1,877 academies open in total across England. 414 opened in 2012 thus far, of which: 66 opened in January; 51 in February; 55 in March; 141 in April; 31 in May; and 70 in June.
Michael Gove: Schools are considered to be underperforming if they are below the floor standards or in an Ofsted category.
Michael Gove: Since May 2010, two schools have become Academies in Tamworth constituency. Across the West Midlands, 136 Academies have opened since May 2010. As of 1 January 2012 a total of 1,529 Academies are open across England, of which 1,326 Academies opened since May 2010 (1,194 converters, 132 sponsored).
Michael Gove: Almost 18 months ago, in May 2010, we passed the Academies Act. Since then, 1,326 schools have become academies, with hundreds more in the pipeline. A total of 1,529 schools are now academies across England. 220 academies have opened in the south-east (excluding London). In Sittingbourne and Sheppey there are eight converter academies (four primary, four secondary). One further school has...
Michael Gove: I am delighted to report that the demand from parents for free schools remains strong throughout the country. We have already opened the first 24 free schools, six studio schools and two university technical colleges in response to this demand and there are a further 102 new schools in the pipeline. Groups behind this next wave have a lot of work to do in the coming months, with 83 planning...
Michael Gove: On 10 October 2011, Official R eport, columns 62-64, I updated the House that we now have 16 new university technical colleges approved and working towards opening. Of these, we expect up to nine may open in September 2012. Precise figures will be known shortly once the buildings they will be located in are confirmed.
Michael Gove: DFE capital funding will continue to be distributed in different ways. Funding for maintained schools is devolved to local authorities; additional funding is devolved directly to every school; and as I announced in July, further funding will be targeted at areas of rising pupil numbers.
Michael Gove: The Minister of State for Schools and I each meet the General Secretaries of the head teacher and teacher unions once a term both individually and collectively and I am scheduled to meet them again later this month.
Michael Gove: The Department has allocated £30.6 million to two academy projects in Liverpool, and a further £12.3 million to Liverpool schools in 2011/12. Further allocations will be announced in due course, informed by the recommendations made in Sebastian James’ report.
Michael Gove: My Department is working with 26 groups which have submitted applications for free schools and are now in the pre-opening stage. I expect to receive a large number of high quality applications in June for the next round. We have had very strong interest indeed from parents, teachers and others wanting to set up new, high quality free schools.
Michael Gove: holding answer 4 February 2011 I can confirm that since May 2010, grants and contracts have been awarded to external bodies to assist the development of sponsored academies which generally replace underperforming schools. Contracts are awarded through an established framework to procure project management and educational services needed by academies in their pre-opening development phase....
Michael Gove: holding answer 18 October 2010 On 28 July 2010 the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Schools, my noble Friend (Lord Hill) met councillors Joe Anderson and Paula Keaveney, accompanied by the hon. Members for Garston and Halewood (Maria Eagle), Liverpool, West Derby (Stephen Twigg) and Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Berger). They discussed options for capital investment in Liverpool's...
Michael Gove: On 16 March 2011, the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Mr Maude) issued a written ministerial statement on progress with public bodies reform. That statement also announced that departments estimate cumulative administrative savings of at least £2.6 billion will flow from public bodies over the spending review period....
Michael Gove: On 28 March 2011 we announced the establishment of a new 16-19 Bursary Fund, worth £180 million a year. The most vulnerable young people-those in care, care leavers and young people in receipt of income support-will receive a bursary of £1,200 a year. Beyond this, schools, colleges and training providers will be able to use their discretion to award bursaries in ways that best fit the...