Our schools, colleges and university are exceptional. I fight for fairer funding for all.

Getting a first-class education is key to making sure all children have the best possible start in life and opens up opportunities for their future. In Chelmsford, 32 of our schools are rated good or outstanding.

For many years Chelmsford and Essex Schools have not received as much funding as schools in metropolitan areas.  I recently led campaign Essex MPs to press the case for fairer funding for our schools. I am delighted that a fairer funding package was announced on 31st August 2019.   This  £14 Billion package means every Secondary School will receive a minimum of £5,000 per pupil next year and Primary Schools will receive a minimum £4,000 per pupil from 2021. 

• I particularly welcome the £700 million extra support for pupils and students with special educational needs, which is an increase of 11%, and the extra £400 million for 16-19 year old education, a 7% nominal uplift.  The increase in starting salaries to £30,000 and the extra boost for funding pensions costs will also make a welcome and significant difference for teachers

I regularly visit Primary and Secondary Schools and Headteachers across Chelmsford and am always impressed by the hard work of both teachers and pupils. I was delighted to attend the official opening of the new Beaulieu Park School in Chelmsford. The Primary School welcomed its first cohort of pupils last year. The Beaulieu Park School Secondary School welcomed its first pupils in Year 7 this September.  This is the first Through School in Essex.

Apprenticeships appeal to those looking for alternatives to university. They often take a more practical approach to learning and enable students to earn as they learn. By focusing on training for a specific career, young people can learn a trade by actually doing the job. Chelmsford College is one of the leading organisations in Essex supporting young people through apprenticeships and work experience. Last year 650 people started apprenticeships in Chelmsford.

Anglia Ruskin University is rated as one of the top 250 universities in Europe  in the Times Higher Education’s University Teaching Rankings 2018, with award-winning learning facilities. They have now opened the brand new Medical School which is the first in Essex. I am honoured to have been asked to join the Board of Governors.

Anglia Ruskin Students' Union in Chelmsford have done great work supporting mental health. The Student’s Union published it’s “Let’s Be Honest” which raised awareness of student’s mental health and published recommendations for the University to better support students. The University have been working closely with the Student’s Union to follow up on these recommendations.

In 2020, Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford will be hosting the British Science Festival. This will be the first time that the Science Festival has come to Essex. Anglia Ruskin University are working with British Science Association, Essex MPs, Chelmsford City Council, Essex County Council and local businesses to organise this 5-day event.