§ 32. Ms KeebleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps are being taken to improve the achievement of children in secondary schools. [132621]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisIn recent speeches, my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and Secretary of State have set out the Government's vision for transforming secondary education. The initiatives include: introducing a pilot scheme to focus on boosting pupil achievement at Key Stage 3; expanding the geographical range and scope of the 'Excellence in Cities' programme; expanding the number of specialist schools; introducing City Academies to areas of urban disadvantage; and investing in professional development for our teachers.