§ 16. Mr. St. AubynTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the involvement of business in schools. [68887]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThere are many opportunities for businesses and schools to work together to the benefit of both partners.
The hon. Gentleman will probably be aware of the many types of partnerships which exist generally, for example in work-related learning, governor programmes and systematic mentoring. He will also be aware of the partnerships which operate in an Education Action Zone and specialist schools programmes. We value the support of business in our drive to raise educational standards.