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Education Committee announces two sessions

6 January 2021

On 7 January, the Education Committee is holding a roundtable on access to further and higher education for working-class white pupils. The Committee will also hold an accountability hearing with a Department for Education minister on 13 January to consider the consequences of the lockdown on education and schools.

Purpose of the Sessions

Thursday 7 January

This session is part of the Committee's inquiry on left behind white pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

It will draw upon the panel's expertise to explore the role of higher and further education in supporting outcomes for white working class pupils, as well as hear any recommendations for raising attainment. 

It will also explore the effects of covid-19, looking at how the pandemic has affected the higher and further education sectors and access for disadvantaged groups.

Wednesday 13 January

This session will hear from Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education, and Susan Acland-Hood, Permanent Secretary for Department for Education.

The session will consider the consequences of the lockdown on education and schools.

Witnesses

Thursday 7 January, 10am   

  • Professor Liz Barnes, Vice Chancellor, Staffordshire University and Co-Chair, Stoke-on-Trent Opportunity Area 
  • Chris Millward, Director for Fair Access and Participation, Office for Students 
  • Rae Tooth, Chief Executive, Villiers Park 
  • Graeme Atherton, Director, National Education Opportunities Network (NEON) 
  • Karen Spencer MBE, Principal, Harlow College and Stansted Airport College

Wednesday 13 January, 10am

  • Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State, Department for Education
  • Susan Acland-Hood, Permanent Secretary, Department for Education

Further information

  Image: Unsplash