At Prime Minister’s Questions today, Karl McCartney JP MP, Member of Parliament for the City of Lincoln, asked the Prime Minister what action she was taking on closing the gender education gap between boys and girls, alongside marking Lincoln City FC’s historic win last night, which Karl attended.
Since becoming Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP, has raised concerns about the lack of white working class boys going to university whilst Karl has raised wider issues about boys’ education including leading a Parliamentary debate in September last year. This is specifically regarding lower exam results achieved by boys, fewer numbers taking up Apprenticeships and nearly half a million fewer men than women going to university over the past decade. Karl alongside other like-minded MP’s will be meeting the School Standards Minister at the end of the month to discuss boys’ education.
PMQ Question from Karl McCartney MP: “Yesterday was a day for being bold and ambitious, and I am sure my Right Honourable Friend noted in her busy day that Lincoln City Football Club followed her lead and last night progressed through to the 4th Round of the FA Cup.
“Whilst I warmly welcome the PM’s speech yesterday I also noted her recent comments about white working class boys and university, but in 10 years half a million fewer males have gone to university than females, male exam results are lower at all levels, and, fewer males than females start apprenticeships, and, despite my raising this issue in a Westminster Hall debate with Education Ministers four months ago, nothing has happened, I ask my Right Honourable Friend when can we expect to see practical action on closing the gender education gap?”
Answer from the Prime Minister: “Can I join my Honourable Griend in congratulating Lincoln City on their victory last night and it was a fitting tribute to Graham Taylor that they won that match.
“He has raised an important point and I have indeed highlighted the issue of white working class boys who are the group least likely to go to university and we are committed to ensuring every child gets the opportunity to fulfil their potential. That is about ensuring that Apprenticeships are as accessible as possible and I am pleased to tell my Honourable Friend, that the number of Apprenticeships started by males has increased to nearly 50% and universities expect to spend over £800 million in improving access and success for disadvantaged students. We want everybody to achieve their potential whatever their background or gender.”
Footage of the exchange can be found at 12:13 Prime Minister’s Questionshttp://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/968c0454-8a67-451e-8303-3715de963555?agenda=True
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For further information, please contact Karl McCartney JP MP at [email protected] / 020 7219 7221.