§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received about the effectiveness of city academies in tacking social deprivation. [186468]
§ Mr. MilibandMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills receives many representations on a variety of issues. The academies programme is specifically designed to address the intractable problems of poor standards of teaching and learning, under-achievement and low aspirations in the most socially and economically deprived parts of the country.
It will take time for the new leadership, bui#dings and curriculum to turn things round. However, of the three academies with GCSE results in 2003 the number of 5A*—C grades rose to 21 per cent. and 35 per cent. respectively from 7 per cent. and 25 per cent. in 2002, and the other had results broadly comparable with its predecessor schools. Academies are also improving behaviour and attendance.