|
Member of Parliament for Bradford East@DavidWardMP on Twitter and Facebook |
 |
David Ward MP <>
Parents' class is the key in England's exam system
May 1, 2010 8:00 AM
David Ward is passionate about education
A study by the Sutton Trust has found that children's success in academic tests is more closely linked to their background than in any other country. The Liberal Democrats are the only party with a fully costed plan to close the gap between students from richer and poorer backgrounds
The Sutton Trust study found a 47% performance gap in tests between 14 year-olds with degree-educated parents and those from schools where parents had left school without any A-Levels. Children from homes richer backgrounds were five times more likely to gain top maths results than children from poorer backgrounds. Another study linking the number of books at home with test scores showed England and Scotland at the bottom of a 20-country international ranking.
As a father of two and a Governor of two local schools, local champion David Ward is passionate about Lib Dem plans that would see an extra £2.5 billion invested in our schools, £12 million of which in Bradford.
David Ward said, "We know that much of what happens to a person in their life has its roots in childhood. So it's absolutely crucial that every child has the best start in life.
That's the only way to build a society that's fair, where there are opportunities for everyone."
The key to academic achievement starts young, and the Lib Dems' pupil premium will pay primary schools taking children from poorer backgrounds an extra £2,500 per pupil, totalling £2.5 billion for schools nationally and £12 million for schools in Bradford. The Liberal Democrats are also the only major party planning to eliminate University top-up fees, to make it easier for children from any background to continue their education to the highest level.