Investment for schools and pupils

We've got record investment going into schools nationally, and I want to make sure there's never been a better time to be a student locally.

Education is one of Rishi Sunak's biggest priorities. He thinks it's the closest thing we have to a silver bullet, and I couldn't agree more. Every penny we invest in young people's education pays dividends later down the line - boosting our economy and giving people the opportunities they deserve in life.

We've made huge progress nationally since 2010 - with the number of children in good or outstanding schools rising from 66 to 88 per cent, and our children climbing to fourth in the international league tables for primary school reading. 

With education spending at its highest real terms in history, I want to make sure that Faversham and Mid Kent keeps getting the maximum possible benefit  - whether that’s helping local schools with funding bids, standing up for better standards, or opening up opportunities to local students like my Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair.

Have a look at the links below for more information, and please do get in touch if you think there's anything I can do to help. 

With the help of our brilliant local schools and employers, I’m going to make sure students get more from their education.

News

Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair bigger than ever!

Our Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair is always one of the highlights of my year.

I host it with 6 of my Kent MP colleagues to bring together local students with all kinds of amazing apprenticeship opportunities. Last Friday it returned for its fifth year, and it was bigger than ever, 

Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair returns!

On the first day of National Apprenticeship Week I'm delighted to confirm that our hugely successful Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair is back again on Friday 10 March 2023 at the Maidstone Leisure Centre. 

My 2022 Christmas card winner

Each December brings one of the highlights of my year - judging my annual Christmas card competition!

I'm backing Lenham Nursery expansion

Finding a good nursery is so important for parents and children.

It was great to visit Lenham Nursey last week to talk to some of the Trustees and staff about their plans for the future.

Funding boost for local schools

I’m delighted that two local schools in Faversham and Mid Kent are getting funding to upgrade their buildings.

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School and Sheldwich Primary School have both been successful in the latest round of funding from the Condition Improvement Fund (CIP).

Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair returns!

Our Maidstone Apprenticeship Fair is about matching local students with some of the fantastic opportunities out there.

I’ve hosted it every year since 2018 with my fellow Kent MPs Tracey Crouch, Helen Grant, and Tom Tugendhat – but sadly we had to miss last year because of Covid.  

Funding boost for our schools

Schools in Kent will be getting £1.44 billion in funding this year - £115 million more than last year.

The extra funding is part of a £4 billion boost for the schools budget in England – a real terms increase of 5 per cent on last year.

Christmas card winner announced

I’m delighted to announce the winner of my 2021 Christmas card competition.

This year’s winning design comes from Hermione from Hollingbourne Primary School. It features a winter rooftop scene beneath a dark blue starry sky.

Litter Angels competition winner announced

It’s horrid seeing rubbish lying around on pavements and roadsides.

Littering can change the look and feel of a place. It can also be hugely damaging for wildlife and the environment.