Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
This week is the culmination of years of hard work for thousands of young people. It is right that their efforts are celebrated across the country as well as on the front pages – but getting a good set of A levels and then a degree is only half the story.
We want to support all pupils to fulfil their potential in school however, and we know there is more to do to support those with additional needs, which is why we have increased high needs funding from £5 billion in 2013 to £6.3 billion this year.
At the start of the month, new powers were announced for the universities regulating body the Office for Students. The newly appointed Universities Minister Jo Johnson took this chance to outline his ambition for all students to receive a high-quality education and receive value for money at university.
Apprenticeships funding in England has risen to over £2.5 billion in 2019-2020, double what was spent in 2010-2011 in cash terms. This investment has helped drive up the quality of apprenticeships on offer so they are now longer, with more off-the-job training and have a proper assessment at the end.
The department continue to ensure our world class universities have the necessary support to continue with important research and teaching, recognising the important contribution of universities to research, innovation and working with business.
All new school buildings must be signed-off by an inspector to certify that they meet the requirements of building regulations and where sprinklers are considered necessary, they must be installed.
Relationships, Sex and Health Education are vital to ensure children grow up healthy, happy and safe. Every school will have the support they need to deliver these subjects to a high standard.
We are confident provision for schools will be protected in the event of the UK having to leave the EU without an agreement and there are robust contingency plans in place to ensure schools are prepared in all eventualities.
The Prime Minister has made clear that we will increase minimum levels of per pupil funding in primary and secondary schools and return education funding to previous levels.
We have established a new national programme, backed by up to £2m funding, to help local areas protect young people from being taken advantage of by criminals or ‘county lines’ gangs.