I've co-signed a letter criticising the Government's cuts to IB funding for state schools

I’m deeply concerned by the Government’s decision to slash funding for the International Baccalaureate in state schools – and in my capacity as Schools Spokesperson, I’ve joined with Ian Sollom MP and 38 other Lib Dem MPs in writing to the Education Secretary calling for them to reverse this decision.

This move was taken with no consultation or warning, throwing many schools, students, and families into limbo at the exact time when many sixth form colleges are holding their open days.

Already, I’ve received many emails from parents who are both concerned and confused by this decision, which runs completely counter to the Government’s ambition of delivering a ‘broad and bold curriculum.’

Instead, by scrapping IB funding for state schools, this Government risks entrenching a two-tier system where those who can afford a private education still have access to this internationally recognised mark of academic excellence. No one who wants to close the attainment gap would pursue this move.

We’re calling on the Government to:

• Protect the funding settlement for schools with existing IB students, both those currently completing the diploma and those enrolled to begin the programme in the coming academic year.

• Reverse the future cuts to the Large Programme Uplift and ensure that any school wishing to deliver the IB diploma has the funding to do so.

• Use the curriculum review

  as an opportunity to learn from the success of the IB diploma so that more students can benefit from a rigorous programme that balances breadth and depth without narrowing their options too early.

You can read the full letter here.