On Tuesday 21st June, Julian Knight MP welcomed Nicky Morgan, the Secretary of State for Education, to Solihull for a visit to Solihull College.
He accompanied her on a tour, during which the Education Secretary learned about the further education courses and apprenticeships offered by the college.
After this, both MPs took part in a Q&A with Sixth Form pupils, with questions on a wide variety of topics from student loans and skills to immigration and the economy.
Commenting on the visit, Julian Knight said:
“Education is one of the most important responsibilities of the Government: few things are more important when it comes to making sure that our children have the best start in life and a fair and equal chance to succeed.
“I’m particularly proud that this Government is working so hard to end the historical bias in favour of academic education over vocational alternatives. Further education and apprenticeships like those offered at Solihull College can teach young people the skills they need for rewarding careers in trade and industry.
“Solihull is very lucky to have so many excellent schools, and I was proud to show the Education Secretary around one. I hope that this Government’s reform agenda can give more towns a school system as good as ours.”
Nicky Morgan, the Education Secretary, added:
“It was a pleasure visiting Solihull College with Julian Knight MP this morning and hearing about all of the broad range of high-quality programmes they offer young people from Solihull, Birmingham and beyond.
“It is clear that the college plays a vital role in ensuring its students are set up for the best start in life, whether through an apprenticeship or a further education course, as well as making sure local employers have access to young people with skills they need.”