The Government's decision to remove the Large Programme Uplift from 16-19 funding formula, and the impact this would have on state schools offering the International Baccalaureate, has been raised with me as a cause of concern by many parents of children who attend the Anglo European School in Ingatestone.
The IB is a rigorous and highly respected qualification that broadens opportunity and aspiration, and I share the disappointment felt by many teachers and school leaders at the impact this decision will have, particularly on state schools, like the Anglo European School, that have worked hard to sustain IB provision. The Government’s decision appears to have been made with little consultation and no clear plan for how schools will be supported through this change. Removing the Uplift risks making the IB Diploma financially unviable for many schools and, in turn, limiting the choices available to students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds who benefit most from a diverse range of post-16 options.
I believe Ministers should urgently review this decision and engage with the Anglo European School to ensure that the IB remains a viable and accessible part of the state education system. I've written the the Department for Education requesting a meeting with the Minister involved, and am waiting for a response. I'm also waiting for the Department to respond to my colleague, the Shadow Secretary of State for Education, who has written to the Government about this issue.
I am writing individually to all those parents of children in Brentwood and Ongar who attend the school and am happy to hear from any others who wish to raise their concerns about the Government's ill thought through decision.
