Excellence in education

East Hampshire is fortunate to have a range of excellent primary and secondary schools plus HSDC in Alton for post 16 education.  More information can be found on the Hampshire County Council website: Find a school in Hampshire | Education and learning | Hampshire County Council (hants.gov.uk)

The Department for Education offers an Education Hub with information on Post-16 options.

T LEVELS

There are now a number of different routes that young people can take, including T Levels, which are technical qualifications equivalent to A Levels. A range of T Level courses are available at HSDC in Alton as well as their sister site at South Downs College.

To find out more about T Levels, go to T Levels 

APPRENTICESHIPS

There are also a wide range of apprenticeships available, covering 1500 different job roles across 170 industries, including 75 Higher and Degree apprenticeships also on offer. The National Apprenticeship Service provides comprehensive information at  https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships

To find and apply for an apprenticeship: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

For details on Higher and Degree apprenticeships: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprentice…

To recruit an apprentice: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/apprenticeship-vacancies

The Apprenticeship & Skills Partnership offers free and impartial advice to organisations of any size across Hampshire and Surrey regarding apprenticeship and skills training. They can help organisations with finding the most suitable training provider or choosing the relevant apprenticeship or skills programme for them. They also offer guidance on funding apprenticeship training, levy transfers and sourcing apprentices. More details at https://www.theapprenticeshiphub.com/meet-the-team-north-hampshire-surr…

Funding is also available from East Hampshire District Council, working in partnership with Business East Hants, to subsidise wages and contribute towards transport and training for apprentices joining businesses in the East Hampshire district. For details: http://www.easthants.gov.uk/apprenticeships

TRAINEESHIPS & WORK EXPERIENCE

A traineeship is a course with work experience that gets you ready for work or an apprenticeship. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months. For more information go to: https://www.gov.uk/find-traineeship

The National Careers Service provides comprehensive information on this and other career paths: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/types-of-work-exp….

 

EDUCATIONAL VISITS TO PARLIAMENT

The Education Centre in the Houses of Parliament offers tours of the parliamentary estate for primary and secondary pupils.  Click here to book your place: UK Parliament Education Centre - Parliament UK Education

I also host a 'Taste of Parliament' session for sixth formers interested in politics from local schools and colleges.  This normally takes place during the October half term and consists of briefings with key departments, such as the Library and Hansard, a Q&A with me, and a tour of the chambers of both the Lords and the Commons.  To find out more about these sessions, contact the office.

 

News

Safer Phones Private Members Bill - Second reading

Damian spoke during today's second reading debate on the Safer Phone's Bill.   Speaking after the debate, Damian said: "The Safer Phones Bill is a missed opportunity, in my view, to push for real reform in this crucial area.

E-petition debate on VAT on independent school fees

Damian spoke at the e-petition debate on the imposition of VAT on independent school fees and the impact of business rates relief on these schools. Speaking at the time, Damian said: "Over 600 East Hampshire residents signed the petition to Parliament against the imposition of VAT on education.

Finding balance in a digital age

I’ve had many conversations over the years with parents, children and teachers about technology in young people’s lives.  The most recent was this month in Alton (pictured above) with parents who had written to me about an upcoming private member’s bill: the Safer Phones Bill to be debated on 7

Damian speaks at the second reading of the IfATE Bill

Damian raised his concerns about the IfATE Bill during the second reading debate.  The Bill will, if enacted, transfer the functions of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) to the Department for Education, effectively abolishing the Institute.

Navigating the childcare juggle

Everyone knows it can be very difficult juggling work time with family life.  No two families are the same.  Some are able to and decide to have a parent be full-time at home for longer; for others the right, or only realistic, decision is to return to the paid workplace sooner.  Som

Adjournment debate on allergy guidance in schools

Damian speaking at an adjournment debate on allergy guidance in schools following the tragic case of five year old Benedict Blythe who died from an anaphylactic allergic reaction whilst at school. 

A forum on the future of 16-18 study

My latest article for the Herald and Post...   I recently joined a group of school and college leaders from across Hampshire at Swanmore College at a meeting convened by the County Council and my colleague Flick Drummond, MP for Meon Valley. The subject for discussion was 16-18 education, an

Becoming the next apprentice

Last week I wrote in the Herald about important developments in education, and my focus this week is on another key plank of education.

Surging up the league tables in English and maths

In my first Herald/Post column for 2024 I thought I’d write about some developments in education that I ran out of column-weeks to write about last year. There have been some great milestones in the last year, brought about by the dedication of teachers and school leaders. Every five years there i

Advanced British Standard - consultation launched

Last week the Department for Education launched a consultation on the Advanced British Standard - the 16-18 qualification that will in years to come ensure all youngsters can study a broader range of subjects, get more taught time in college, and break through the barrier of academic and vocational