Industry News

Deputy PM candidate backs private schools helping state schools

Posted on 4th June 2007

Hilary Benn, the secretary of state for international affairs, has said he backs the idea of cooperation between private schools and state schools - a policy much favoured by his rival deputy prime minister candidate Alan Johnson.

Speaking in an interview with the Times newspaper, Mr Benn said he opposes selection of children at the age of 11, adding that he would hope to close the gap between state schools and private schools with extra funding, as well as closer cooperation.

Mr Benn's comments followed a proposal to make private schools 'earn' their charitable status by helping local state schools, either with expertise or in terms of resources.

Asked whether greater cooperation between schools would be a "good idea", Mr Benn, remarked: "Ways in which schools can share experience and ideas is a good idea, but what we really need to focus on is the resourcing of our state schools - and I am a supporter of raising the level of expenditure so that all children get the same level of support and investment."

Currently, Mr Benn is the front runner in the race for the post of deputy prime minister. Mr Johnson, who received the greatest number of nominations for deputy leadership, is the current education secretary.