News
Michael Gove announced as Secretary of State in new Department for Education
12 May 2010
Conservative MP Michael Gove has been announced as the Secretary of State for Education in the new Liberal Conservative coalition. Mr Gove had previously held the position of shadow minister for Children, Schools and Families while the Conservatives were in opposition.
Among the coalition's policies will be the "pupil premium" which aims to target extra funding at schools serving disadvantaged pupils. This was promised by both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties. There will also be the "free schools" scheme, which would allow parents or other groups to take public money to run schools.
The joint policy statement for schools promises:
- New providers can enter the state school system in response to parental demand
- All schools have greater freedom over curriculum
- All schools are held properly accountable
Mr Gove had previously indicated he might be willing to step aside and allow his Liberal Democrat counterpart David Laws to take the post, however, Mr Laws has moved into a role as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. The other ministerial posts at the new Department are likely to be announced on Thursday 13 May.
Yesterday Mr Gove wrote to all members of staff in the Department for Education setting out his priorities and ambitions for the next parliament. In the email he said the coalition “marked a new era for our education system”. He added that "School reform will be our priority but schools only succeed when society is strong, which is why we will also strengthen and reform children's services."
Read more about the letter Michael Gove wrote to his departmental staff at Children and Young People now
Read the NLT summary of what the coalition government will mean for literacy
