CHRISTIAN WAKEFORD: Securing children's futures is of highest priority

For many young people they will have received their results for GCSEs, A-levels, T-levels or BTECs at their place of learning.

For them, a stepping stone to the next thing, whether that’s university, higher education, or full-time employment.

For those of us in office, a reminder that inequality continues to hamper this country.

Whether it is the gap in attainment between North and South, in the North West GCSE grades 7/A and above in 2019 were 18.6 per cent compared to 25.7 per cent in London and in 2023 the North West remained at 18.6 per cent while London increased to 28.4 per cent.

Or the gap between private and public schools. We believe in a fairer society, where we all must pay their way, no special allowances.

That’s why this government will continue in its pledge to remove the protection on private schools and ensure VAT is paid, in line with the rest of the nation’s schools.

Bury South MP Christian Wakeford (Image: Supplied)

The money raised from this, will go straight back into education by recruiting 6,500 teachers.

In Radcliffe I have been campaigning for many years with residents, local councillors, and community groups for a new high school in the town.

In 2021 I secured the funds to do this from the government of the day.

Next month we shall see children enter year 7 at our new Radcliffe high school for the first time in 10 years, while the brand-new buildings are completed, the intake will be accommodated in temporary buildings.

When construction is completed, we will have an important link in community restored, with children being able to attend primary school and high school all within the town they have been raised, where they live and play with friends and classmates alike.

The power of education can never be understated.

There is no doubt some incredibly tough decisions lie ahead of us.

Independent experts have said this government has inherited a national debt pile at its highest levels since the 1960s, as well as the £22bn black hole we discovered upon entering government.

However, in our borough we continue to make progress in delivering positive outcomes for children at our schools despite the pressure of the government on our education sector.

This Labour government is one of mission. It is a government of delivery – making the tough choices to move our nation forwards.

Education is at the core of that mission, and for me personally having a young daughter – securing our children's future in the borough is of the highest priority.