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[unable to retrieve full-text content]Dame Martina Milburn writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer about the funding of Further Education (FE).
GCSE entries to core academic subjects have risen hand-in-hand with entries to arts, meaning pupils in England are getting an education that best equips them for further study and the world of work.
As pupils across the country get their results today, data show entries to EBacc subjects – foreign languages, maths, English, science and humanities – have risen by 3.7% to 3.7 million, while entries to arts subjects have risen by 3.2% to 320,000.
The rises show that pupils are taking the opportunity to study subjects that are setting them up for the future, and that a focus on academic subjects and the EBacc does not come at the expense of important cultural education.
More than 500,000 pupils in England are getting their GCSE results today. Statistics published today show:
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
Huge congratulations to everyone receiving their GCSE results today.
I’m delighted to see an increase in those studying EBacc subjects – including science, computing and foreign languages – as well as creative studies, meaning pupils are getting the rigorous yet well-rounded education they need.
As I said last week, my government will do all we can to increase funding for education, and to give schools the powers they need to deal with bad behaviour and bullying so pupils continue to learn effectively.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
Congratulations to all of those who are picking up their GCSE results today – I remember the nerves and excitement that came with waiting for mine like it was yesterday.
Today’s results show pupils are going on to further study and the world of work with the best possible foundations, focusing on the academic cornerstones of education while also stretching themselves creatively.
The opportunities that await them are the best they’ve ever been, so whether they go on to do A levels, an apprenticeship, technical or vocational qualification, they will do so with the skills they need to thrive in 21st century Britain, and support this country as we build for the future.
We will continue to drive up school standards right across the country, do more to continue to attract and retain talented individuals in our classrooms, and give teachers the powers they need to deal with bad behaviour and bullying.
Thousands of the pupils getting their results today will go on to do an apprenticeship, offering students high-quality training and a wide range of career options.
Apprenticeships now offer more off-the-job training than in previous years and are supported by some of the country’s leading employers, including Lloyds Banking Group, Royal Mail and Berkeley Group.
Many others will go on to do A levels, following in the footsteps of nearly 250,000 pupils who collected their results last week.
Last week’s results showed a 26.2% lift in the number of pupils taking STEM subjects, compared with 2010, and a rise in the number of entries to Spanish, making it the most popular language at A level.
The use of NDAs – legally binding contracts to maintain confidentiality – has been routine for trade groups and businesses working with the government over the past three years.
But Ministers believe that they hinder constructive debate and exchange of information, with some organisations for example saying they restrict their ability to properly tell members how to prepare for Brexit.
As the government continues to accelerate its preparations for Brexit on October 31, the decision to ditch NDAs in the vast majority of circumstances, was made this week by Ministers at a XO committee meeting.
From today, such agreements will only be entered into, or existing agreements maintained, when this is strictly necessary, including for example to protect the interests of third parties.
A government spokesperson said:
As we continue our preparations for Brexit on October 31, it makes no sense to engage processes which hinder constructive debate, transparency and exchange of information. It is vital that trade groups and businesses can speak openly to one another about preparations and so we will no longer enter into such agreements unless absolutely necessary.
The UK’s new High Commissioner to the Bahamas, Her Excellency Sarah Dickson today presented her letter of introduction to Dr The Hon. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas.
The presentation of the letter and subsequent meeting at the Prime Minister’s office signalled the reopening of the British High Commission in Nassau after 14 years.
Mrs Dickson’s letter of introduction from British Prime Minister, The Rt Hon. Boris Johnson MP noted the UK’s intention to maintain “the relations of close friendship which so happily exist” between both countries.
The High Commissioner also expressed her enthusiasm in being appointed to reopen and head the UK’s mission to the Bahamas.
“It is a great pleasure and honour to serve in this beautiful island nation as British High Commissioner,” Mrs Dickson remarked. She commented that both countries have a long shared history; common values such as democracy and the rule of law; and similar interests including protecting the environment and promoting trade.
The reopening of our Mission in Nassau allows us to supercharge our historic friendship as partners in the Commonwealth whilst signalling the UK’s commitment to being truly global.
“I’ve been warmly received since officially arriving in The Bahamas. Everyone I have met has been kind and friendly. I am confident that the relationship and ties between our two countries will strengthen as a result of reopening the High Commission.”
The High Commissioner has served the British Diplomatic Service for more than 20 years. Her last diplomatic appointment was as Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Guatemala and Honduras. She has also served in Spain, Argentina and Yugoslavia; as well as various appointments in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.
Mrs Dickson has just returned from a role as International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association supporting British exports around the world.
The High Commissioner will be accompanied by her husband and two children.