Yesterday, Mansfield and Warsop MP Ben Bradley took part in a Westminster Hall debate on School and College Funding in the East Midlands.
During the debate Ben highlighted the progress that has been made on the state of education in Mansfield. This includes that fact that more schools in Mansfield are rated ‘Good’ and that there is a clear ‘positive trajectory’ and that educational standards in Mansfield are improving.
Ben also highlighted the fact that in Mansfield, a small minority of children actually go to university and those that do rarely return to the area. This showed, for Ben, the need to give students choice and ‘the right information to help them get the best outcome.’
Leading on from this, Ben praised the work of Vision West Nottinghamshire College, which he said has ‘become a centre for growth and change in our community.’ Ben also gave special mention to the work of the college’s principal, Andrew Cropley who he credited with turning the college around.
Education funding was also raised during the debate with Ben highlighting that schools will receive an extra £2 billion nationally over the next two years. Furthermore, it was highlighted that school budgets will rise by £3.5 billion next year, this rise is reflected in the fact that Mansfield schools will be getting just over £3 million extra funding in the next academic year. Ben summed up the debate around funding by stating ‘There has never been more money in our education system.’
Ben raised more positive local news when he highlighted the previous announcement that 3 Mansfield schools were among 239 schools selected to be rebuilt or substantially refurbished. Under this announcement, Meden School, Garibaldi School and All Saints’ Catholic Academy are set to be substantially refurbished and the old facilities replaced.
During his contribution to the debate, Ben Bradley also highlighted the need for delivery on government plans for the education system. Ben did this by highlighting the conversations he had with people during campaigning for the local elections who had stated ‘show me the buildings and the outcomes.’ Ben stated ‘That is what we need to achieve by the next election. We need to grow our communities’ confidence…’
Commenting, Ben Bradley stated:
‘It was a real pleasure to contribute to this important debate around funding for our educational institutions in the Midlands. Education has always been my number one priority and passion since joining Parliament, so I always relish the opportunity to discuss this issue with colleagues.’
‘Over the nearly 6 years since I was first elected we’ve seen some real progress on education in Mansfield. We’ve had more schools ranked ‘Good’ by Ofsted and we can see clear improvement in educational standards in Mansfield and Warsop.’
‘Of course, it’s not just about standards of education but the choice offered to students. I highlighted in my speech how many students in Mansfield do not go to university and so we have to present a diverse offer to these children in order to allow them to pursue what interests them. I highlighted how I think West Notts College has done amazing work in this and praised the work of their principal Andrew Cropley.’
‘Sticking with positive education news in Mansfield, I made sure to highlight the positive news that Mansfield schools will be receiving just over £3 million extra for the next academic year. This news, combined with the previous announcement that Meden, Garibaldi and All Saints Catholic Academy are part of the 239 schools to be substantially refurbished, shows government is investing heavily in education in Mansfield!’
