It was a busy week in Iceland last week for the International Summit on the Teaching Profession. I also welcomed the Chancellor’s Spring Statement which will boost economic growth in Newcastle North.
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International Summit on the Teaching Profession
Last week, as Minister for School Standards, I attended the summit in Reykjavik to gather with international education ministers, union leaders, and experts to discuss strengthening the teaching profession and advancing education to unlock opportunities for our children and learners.
During my time in Iceland it was lovely to visit a school to see firsthand how they are working to drive up school standards, and I also had the privilege of meeting with the Ukrainian Education Minister.
Lessons at Number 10
It was great to celebrate National Theatre Week at Number 10 with the National Youth Theatre!
I know that the arts build confidence and creativity, and I am pleased that the Government is working to ensure that every child gets a great cultural education through a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education.
Spring Statement
In the House of Commons, the Chancellor of the Exchequer outlined measures that will boost our economy, increase national security and raise living standards for those in Newcastle North and across the country.
As part of her statement, the Chancellor highlighted that the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has confirmed that people will be on average £500 a year better off from 2029.
Find out more here.
Pupil Premium Funding
I was pleased to announce that to break down barriers to opportunity, the Government will increase pupil premium funding to over £3 billion in 2025-26.
The pupil premium grant provides funding to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in state-funded schools in England.
You can read an overview of pupil premium here.
Making the North East greener
I am delighted that 48 schools and NHS sites across the North East are to receive funding from Great British Energy to fit solar panels, saving thousands of pounds on their energy bills.
Find out more here.
Construction Skills Package
As part of our Plan for Change to build 1.5 million homes, the Government has announced £600 million worth of investment over the next four years to get Britain building, training 60,000 more construction workers and breaking down barriers to opportunity for thousands of young people.
Read more here.
