Speaking to other parents, I know how much they care about a good start for their children and a great education. Nearly all our schools are good or outstanding in North East Herts. But I want every local child to get a good education and the best start in life. I'll support and work with school leaders to improve the few schools that need it.
Local parents appreciate the Conservative reforms have led to:
- 100% of our secondary schools are rated good or outstanding
- 89% of our primary schools being rated good or outstanding
- Local children making more progress and outperforming the region and the country when it comes to GCSE attainment.
- Our 9- and 10-year-olds being in the top 5 internationally for reading ability
Parents are worried however that Labour’s attack on private schools will take us back to square one: that it will impact all local children and their chances of going to the school they want. In North East Herts, Letchworth is likely to be hit hardest.
It is reported that up to 40% of the children at private schools may need to find places in the state system because the school fees will be unaffordable. With three private schools in the constituency, that's 542 pupils that may have to find places elsewhere. It would mean much more competition for every place, and every child would have less chance of getting their first preference school.
This policy doesn't harm the wealthy, it harms those that can just make the fees if they scrimp and save. But Keir Starmer doesn't care about that. He says that he will put VAT on school fees immediately if he is elected to office, leaving parents with little choice and in a desperate scramble as school places have already been allocated for the year. That lacks compassion and principle.
If you want a great education and maximum choice for all local children, 'Vote Nikki' on Thursday 4 July.