Conservatives often talk about a “long term economic plan” but it can seem as though it is just about businesses and wealth creation. Obviously both of these areas are important but it is necessary to realise that it also covers the lowering of taxes, ensuring that the welfare system helps people into work and having the best education system.
This government has introduced many changes to the education system because it was widely seen as not working for the best advantage of our children whilst we have an increased understanding that we are in rigorous competition for jobs with nations across the world.
On a visit to Westhoughton High School, I heard about what these changes have meant locally and the impact that it has had. For example, by changing the criteria for Ofsted inspections, WHS’s grading dropped from ‘Good’ to ‘Requires Improvement’. This did not reflect a reduced performance from the school and WHS will regain its good status as soon as Ofsted can come back to see the progress being made by the hard work of the whole of the school community.
There is a great discussion about the different types of school and which is best. The children of Bolton West are serviced by private, Free, Academy and maintained schools. This list is being joined by the new University Technical Colleges and, if elected to be your MP, I will work to support all of our schools and ensure that families have the best choice for a great education so that children can go on to pursue an apprenticeship, further and higher education and to have a great career in a competitive economy.