Schools

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (Ruth Kelly) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. I have today published the Government's response to the Select Committee report on the White Paper Higher Standards, Better Schools for All. I am grateful to the committee for their work in producing the report. I have considered its recommendations carefully, alongside many representations from key stakeholders. I am clear that there is widespread agreement to the aims and objectives of the White Paper; namely, excellence and equity for all. Much has been achieved through the radical programme of investment and reform over the past eight years. This year saw the highest standards we have ever achieved at every key stage. However, it would be wrong to rest upon these achievements while, for example, more than seven out of every 10 children in receipt of free school meals fail to achieve five or more good GCSEs. I am pleased, therefore, that the committee accepts the key building blocks of the White Paper. In particular, the report welcomes reforms on personalisation, on discipline and behaviour and on improving the quality of teaching and leadership through better professional development and ongoing workforce reform. The report makes a series of recommendations in relation to school admissions, trust schools and the role of the local authority, many of which I have accepted and which are reflected in the Education and Inspections Bill that will be introduced into the House of Commons today.