For many young people and their families, the last few weeks have been stressful to say the least. The publication of A-level and GSCE results means lots of nervous anticipation. The results mark the culmination of years of hard work for pupils, teachers and parents and everyone who has been receiving their results should be congratulated on their achievements.
On Thursday morning, I was delighted to join Pendle Education Trust’s Chief Executive Anita Ghidotti as we met students from Colne Primet Academy and West Craven High School to help celebrate some of their outstanding achievements. I wish them all the very best of luck as they prepare to head off to university.
They can do so encouraged about their future job prospects. Two important bits of news came out recently that point to a brighter future for them and our country. Last week, unemployment fell to its lowest level in 42 years and this week, it was confirmed that the Government took in more than it spent in July for the first time in 15 years. July is an important month as self-employed people pay their taxes and this was further proof of our economy being on the mend.
Whilst one generation heads off to new challenges, a new one starts at school and our teachers return to the task of providing them with the best possible education. They need support to do what is a highly rewarded but also very demanding job.
I was encouraged back in July when the Education Secretary announced significant extra investment for schools across England of £1.3 billion, which will also mean funding per pupil will be kept at the same level in real terms over the next two years. School funding is already at record levels but rising pupil numbers does mean this extra support is needed.
Finally, I am very excited about this weekend’s Colne Blues Festival and have been looking forward to it all summer. It really is one the very best events my home town holds each year and I’m pleased Colne Town Councillors have taken the right decisions to keep the Blues in Colne!