Five members from Sevenoaks attended a Conservative Voice (www.conservativevoice.co.uk) event in Parliament, where the Rt. Hon. Justine Greening MP was the guest speaker.
Justine gave a wide ranging speech on education, including examples of great apprenticeship schemes, more involvement of business in education and diversify educational provision to continue recent improvements.
Naturally to the Sevenoaks members present, her reference to grammar schools within her speech was of particular interest. She stated that the educational gain from attending a grammar school is around twice as high for pupils eligible for free schools meals, compared to the overall impact across all pupils. She saw them as great drivers of social mobility and attainment. Without a doubt, it was completely clear she completely supported the future expansion of grammar schools, which was most encouraging indeed.
In response to a question from the Sevenoaks contingent concerning grammar schools, she indicated that following on from a recent consultation (Schools that work for everyone) an Education White Paper would be published in the coming weeks. One part of this paper would deal with expanding selective education.
Following on from her speech, Justine spent more than half an hour answering questions from the floor on a wide range of topics concerning children in education, training, and safeguarding.
It was an excellent event, and at the end, the chairman spoke for all when he complemented the minister on her personable, down to earth approach and willingness to answer questions so fully. Her enthusiasm for her role shone through like a bright light and there was no doubting she absolutely meant it, when she said she thought she had the best job in Government.