Education Secretary campaigns in three-way marginal Wimbledon
This morning, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan campaigned with Conservative Party Candidate Danielle Dunfield-Prayero in Wimbledon.
Gillian said: "We are driving up education standards, making England one of the top-performing countries in the world, with our primary children now the best readers in the western world.
"The number of schools rated good or outstanding in England has risen from just 68% under Labour to 90% under the Conservatives - with every school in Wimbledon now rated good or outstanding!
"That's why it is so great to be here in Wimbledon & the Maldens, home to some of our best state and independent schools in London.
"In England, 7% of children go to an independent school. In Wimbledon, that figure is more like 20%.
"Labour would reverse the huge transformation we've made in our schools. Their Schools Tax would damage the quality of education for all our children.
"Labour's tax grab on our independent schools will disproportionately affect hardworking families with children in Wimbledon, particularly those with SEND.
"While the Conservatives have a plan, Labour's education policy boils down to higher taxes, larger class sizes, and lower standards.
"They are putting the politics of envy ahead of evidence. It's the same old Labour Party."
Danielle added: "I believe hardworking families should keep more of their money and not be taxed twice. Families in Wimbledon should have the freedom to choose the best school for their children.
"I recognise the transformative potential of education in driving social mobility, on which so many other outcomes depend. It’s why I have a plan to make Wimbledon & the Maldens even brighter for all, especially our next generation."
Read more in the Evening Standard.
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Facts
According to the Independent Schools Council, across Wimbledon & the Maldens there are now:
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4,467 pupils in 14 independent schools,
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1,056 pupils with SEND, and
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737 pupils without an EHCP.
