As a former teacher, and former Minister for School Standards, Jonathan has long been a passionate advocate for educational improvement across Stoke-on-Trent. This paid off, with Stoke-on-Trent being declared an Educational Investment Area (EIA) by the government, making it a priority area in the UK for improvements to education.
Stoke-on-Trent’s EIA will attract extra investment, with retention payments for the best teachers as well as money and powers to get great MATs into the areas.
To better understand the skills gaps, the government is also establishing a new Future Skills Unit which will look at the data and evidence of where skills gaps exist and in what industries.
Thousands more adults will soon be able access free, flexible training and get the skills needed to secure careers in sectors including green, digital and construction as part of up to an additional £550 million boost to expand the popular Skills Bootcamps across the country.
Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their families and caregivers will be better supported with respite care and internship opportunities.
Stoke-on-Trent has also been given priority for a new specialist sixth form free school, offering a great standard of ’ post-16 education to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Jonathan said:
"As a former teacher, I know how crucial a good education is to life chances and will be the real reason levelling up succeeds. For too long, educational outcomes and destinations have not what they should be.
“I am particularly excited about the news that we will now become a priority location for a new specialist sixth form free school. Since being elected in 2019, I’ve felt we need a free school to shake up education locally, and look forward to working with the Government and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to deliver one.”
NEWS ARTICLE - Stoke-on-Trent to be at heart of Government's levelling up plan for education
