jan 9th
Cameron rules out new grammar schools
(Filed: 09/01/2006)
In a new direction for Conservative education policy, David Cameron has ruled out reinstating the grammar school system and said he would not abolish student tuition fees if he was elected to Government.
Cameron: no return to the 11-plus
Announcing party plans to introduce streaming in all schools, he said: "I guarantee… under a future Conservative government there will be no return to the 11-plus and no return to a grammar school system."
He told parents, teachers and governors at Chalvedon School and Sixth Form College, in Basildon, Essex, that he would push for the introduction of sets based on ability.
"I want the Conservative party to help me campaign in setting by each subject in every school so that we actually do what I think is common sense which is to help stretch the brightest pupils and help those who are in danger of falling behind."
He claimed that despite Tony Blair's promise to introduce setting in 1997, nationally only 40 per cent of classes are set by ability.
And in a direct contradiction of Conservative policy during the last election, Mr Cameron said he would not abolish university fees if he came to power.
He said: "On the issue of student fees, I'll say something that's probably a bit unpopular in the room. I'm afraid I think we're going to have to keep student fees, and I'll tell you why.
"You want to go to universities that are well-funded - good tutors, good facilities - and I want as many people who think they're going to benefit from university to be able to go.
"If you want those things - and as you also know we've also got to keep taxes down in this country - the money's got to come from somewhere."
Previously, Conservative Party pledged to scrap all tuition fees.
Mr Cameron said that traditionally on the subject of education, the left argue about resources and money and the right about structures and choices.
"I think there's a danger of missing the real thing which is right in the middle which is what happens in our state schools," he said.
He said he wanted the Conservatives to focus on this, and on achieving high standards "rather than have endless arguments about structures and organisations".
Mr Cameron said he believed education was one of the most important subjects because of the effect it had on social mobility, social cohesion, the economy and people's happiness.
Information appearing on telegraph.co.uk is the copyright of Telegraph Group Limited and must not be reproduced in any medium without licence.
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from the daily telegraph website.
i have no problem with students paying fees, and it is interesting that now that the tories have a legitimate shot at becoming the party in power they have had to change their tune about tuition fees.
(it is just a shame we seem so keen to fund sportsmen, but not academics. the arguement for the academics is that they will earn vastly more over their working lives than non-qualified people, sadly i have yet to see the "vastly more" part. but what on earth do top sports stars stand to earn? more than enough to pay back any loans i would argue.)
it does seem that mr cameron has got the right touch here.
he has been lucky with the kennedy resignation, as that has moved the spotlight off him for the time being.
(Filed: 09/01/2006)
In a new direction for Conservative education policy, David Cameron has ruled out reinstating the grammar school system and said he would not abolish student tuition fees if he was elected to Government.
Cameron: no return to the 11-plus
Announcing party plans to introduce streaming in all schools, he said: "I guarantee… under a future Conservative government there will be no return to the 11-plus and no return to a grammar school system."
He told parents, teachers and governors at Chalvedon School and Sixth Form College, in Basildon, Essex, that he would push for the introduction of sets based on ability.
"I want the Conservative party to help me campaign in setting by each subject in every school so that we actually do what I think is common sense which is to help stretch the brightest pupils and help those who are in danger of falling behind."
He claimed that despite Tony Blair's promise to introduce setting in 1997, nationally only 40 per cent of classes are set by ability.
And in a direct contradiction of Conservative policy during the last election, Mr Cameron said he would not abolish university fees if he came to power.
He said: "On the issue of student fees, I'll say something that's probably a bit unpopular in the room. I'm afraid I think we're going to have to keep student fees, and I'll tell you why.
"You want to go to universities that are well-funded - good tutors, good facilities - and I want as many people who think they're going to benefit from university to be able to go.
"If you want those things - and as you also know we've also got to keep taxes down in this country - the money's got to come from somewhere."
Previously, Conservative Party pledged to scrap all tuition fees.
Mr Cameron said that traditionally on the subject of education, the left argue about resources and money and the right about structures and choices.
"I think there's a danger of missing the real thing which is right in the middle which is what happens in our state schools," he said.
He said he wanted the Conservatives to focus on this, and on achieving high standards "rather than have endless arguments about structures and organisations".
Mr Cameron said he believed education was one of the most important subjects because of the effect it had on social mobility, social cohesion, the economy and people's happiness.
Information appearing on telegraph.co.uk is the copyright of Telegraph Group Limited and must not be reproduced in any medium without licence.
--------------
from the daily telegraph website.
i have no problem with students paying fees, and it is interesting that now that the tories have a legitimate shot at becoming the party in power they have had to change their tune about tuition fees.
(it is just a shame we seem so keen to fund sportsmen, but not academics. the arguement for the academics is that they will earn vastly more over their working lives than non-qualified people, sadly i have yet to see the "vastly more" part. but what on earth do top sports stars stand to earn? more than enough to pay back any loans i would argue.)
it does seem that mr cameron has got the right touch here.
he has been lucky with the kennedy resignation, as that has moved the spotlight off him for the time being.
posted by pat at 9:57 AM
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