Watch my speech criticising the Government's funding cut to the IB Diploma

The International Baccalaureate sets a global benchmark for education, and is trusted by universities, employers, and educators worldwide as a mark of academic excellence.

So, it makes no sense for the government to slash the large programme uplift funding for the IP Diploma programme.

The money saved is a drop in the ocean of the overall Department of Education Budget, but by stripping funding away in this short-sighted move, the government is taking opportunities and further entrenching the divide between state and private schools.

I recently heard from Torquay Boys Grammar School who were shocked to learn that their large programme uplift would end with no warning, cutting £116,000 pounds from their budget next year and £90,000 in 2027.

Establishing the IB involves years of preparation and teacher training, something the school has been building up since 2009. Losing it can happen very quickly and the school warned it could be irreversible.

This is happening across the country.

So, this week, in a parliamentary debate, I asked the Government what they are seeking to gain from a cut that will free up so little cash, but take away significant opportunities from ambitious state school students?