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Education
In this campaign I am delighted to see a strong commitment to giving more support to pupils, parents and teachers. We will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to attend a modern school and will guarantee a free place in training, sixth form or an apprenticeship. Anne Campbell
The Facts
| Investment | In Cambridgeshire LEA, funding has increased by £900 per pupil. since 1997 There are 350 more teachers in Cambridgeshire since 1997. |
| Commitment | We promised smaller class sizes. We have reduced infant class sizes to below 30. |
| Results | In Cambridge secondary schools the GCSE pass rate for more than 5 grades A to C is now 51% and continues to rise. Parkside Community College and Chesterton Community College are now specialist giving Cambridge centres of excellence in Media and Technology. |
| Accessibility | Labour has been encouraging young people to stay on in education through the Education Maintenance Allowance for 16-19 year olds. 1207 young people are being helped to stay on in education in Cambridgeshire LEA. |
| Higher Education | The Labour Government has abolished upfront fees and reintroduced grants. Click here to go to the Higher Education page to find out more. |
The work goes on. A Labour Government will:
Create 3500 Children Centres and expand free nursery provision for 3-4 year olds to 15 hours a week.
Widen opportunities for primary school children: 2 hours PE a week; foreign language teaching from age 7 and the chance to learn a musical instrument.
Spend £2billion a year on improving school buildings
Redesign post 14 options so all aptitudes and talents are catered for.
Zero tolerance attitude towards disruption and unacceptable behaviour.
The Myths
There are no plans under Labour to charge 16-19 year olds for their education - despite what the Lib Dems say. Through the Learning and Skills Act 2000, we have created an entitlement to education or training for all young people under the age of 19. Young people pay no tuition fees or similar charges.
The Lib Dems claim that students don't pay fees in Scotland, and that they will introduce this system in England. However, most graduates in Scotland have had to pay a fixed amount at the end of their course since 2001.
The Alternatives
In 1997, there were no Sure Start centres, no free part time nursery places, primary schools were overcrowded, and nearly half of 11 year olds were leaving primary school without being able to read, write or add up.
The Tories plan to limit choice for parents and pupils by introducing selection at the age of five. They are also committed to substantial cuts to OFSTED.
Lib Dems would make students study at home for the first two years of their degrees. Charles Kennedy said in June 2003, 'Students would normally attend a college or university near where they lived and worked'.