MP Raises Future of Sixth Forms With Ministers

Tamworth’s Conservative MP, Christopher Pincher, has asked the Education Secretary Michael Gove to look at plans laid by the former Labour County Council to scrap all Tamworth’s sixth forms in favour of a single sixth form centre.

In questions to the Secretary of State in the House of Commons, Mr. Pincher said:

“I am grateful for the Secretary of State’s statement and for his telling me that both Wilnecote and Belgrave high schools in Tamworth are applying for academy status. Does he agree that we should meet to discuss the former Labour county council’s decision arbitrarily to abolish sixth forms and give them over to one single sixth form? Can we discuss how to unpick that situation?”

Michael Gove (Secretary of State, Education) responded:

“I know that my hon. Friend is very concerned about the way in which sixth form allocation has been secured in his constituency. He has already made representations on that. My Department will consider and discuss with him further exactly what we can do to help.”

Following the encounter Mr. Pincher said:

“I am pleased that this issue will be looked at again as many parents and teachers have raised concerns about a single sixth form with me – and I made the same points myself to Labour last year.  I will keep parents and teachers informed.”

Concerning the announcement that Building Schools for the Future spending plans have been suspended Mr. Pincher said:

“It is very disappointing that the BSF programme will not go ahead.  Tamworth’s schools have faced years of under investment leaving local children at a disadvantage.  But we should be in no doubt – the cause of this cut is Labour’s massive mis-management of our economy leaving us all with the biggest debt in modern history.  The money just is not there to pay for it at the moment.”

“What is more, the BSF scheme has been characterised by overspends, delays, botched construction projects and needless bureaucracy.  If it was not such a nightmare, the programme might have already been agreed.”

“I will now work with the new County Council to see what can be done, particularly with respect to capital allocations, to help our local schools get the best deal.”