Monday’s speech and today’s announcement show them choosing their ground for the next election. And since Hunt may find no money for further tax cuts next spring, the option of a May general election is opening up.
Pupils do not have a fixed level of ability, but they do have a starting point. Teaching not matched to this will not work, however much is spent on it, and however much energy expended in promoting it.
We hurl abuse at here-today-gone-tomorrow politicians and their advisers, while the permanent state flourishes like a green bay tree.
Did those in power still believe it was right to terrify the nation into submissions with their fear-mongering campaigns warning us to stay away from our loved ones? And why did the rules constantly change and at very little notice?
The MP for Rossendale and Darwen talks to Gloria de Piero about the lessons he has learned raising his own son.
This perhaps reflects the fact that with the Speech happening on 7th November, there will be little actual time for legislation in the final session of Parliament in any case.
Our analysis shows that children in receipt of Free School Meals are three times more likely to be severely absent than their more affluent classmates, meaning elevated absence levels will serve to compound disadvantage.
The highest daily cost of home-to-school transport for any individual pupil was £969 a day for Camden. Lincolnshire £650. Redbridge £630. Gloucestershire £603.92. East Sussex £577.40. Brighton and Hove £500. Dorset £481.65. Buckinghamshire £480.
The Prime Minister has stated that because of the long gestation period there will be time for consultation: this is essential. The A Level system is certainly not perfect, but neither is it completely broken.
“The more homes we build and the bigger the homes we build the easier it is for people to raise families.” – Gove.
There is a widespread desire amongst Conservatives for “dividing lines” between us and Labour. One of the least problematic and most popular would be the enactment of a parental right of access to school teaching materials.
Our university courses should look more like those in other countries and assume less specialist prior knowledge. Maybe the arrival of the Government’s four year life long learning loan is an opportunity for change.
Instead of a Conservative housing policy that emphasises home ownership and architectural beauty, it will now be done the Labour way. When tower blocks start rising over the Home Counties, I hope that our remaining MPs realise their mistake.
The demographic tide can’t be turned back, but its advance can be slowed – by the self-reinforcing triangle of stronger families, better schools, good jobs, and the stronger society that these help to build.
The necessary evaluations involve many voices and inevitably take time. Although this can be frustrating, it means outcomes are much more resistant to influence from groups and individuals with extreme agendas and ideologies.