The Government has announced plans to scale back the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme and remove the provision of funding for Latin in the curriculum, reducing opportunities for London students.
Today, the London Assembly called on the Mayor to oppose the cancellation of the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme.
Emma Best AM, who proposed the motion, said:
“Education is a pivotal gateway to opportunity within our country.
“England is amongst the highest performing countries in the world and in Maths in particular we have come leaps and bounds, rising from 27th in the world rankings in 2009 to 11th today.
“Cuts to educational programmes that have enabled this transformative progress risks the next generation’s future
“We do not doubt that the Mayor shares our concerns and we call on him to oppose these cuts. We also hope the Mayor will consider how his budget for adult education can best develop the math skills of Londoners and plug the potential gap left by the government.”
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly wishes to express its concern at the Government's decision to scale back the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme and remove the provision of funding for Latin in the curriculum, reducing opportunities for London students to excel.
Additionally, this Assembly regrets to learn that the Government intends to make cuts to adult education budgets for the next academic year, as reported by FE Week. These reductions undermine vital opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development, disproportionately impacting working-class Londoners as well as hindering wider economic growth.
This Assembly believes that these policies will damage the quality of education in London, limit opportunities for students and threaten the progress made in raising school standards under the previous government.
This Assembly calls on the Mayor to:
- Oppose the cancellation of the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme and lobby the Government to reinstate funding to ensure London students have the best possible access to educational opportunities.
- Lobby the Government to reconsider its decision to make cuts to the Adult Skills Fund for the next academic year.
- Consider how the Adult Skills Fund could be used to further the development of maths skills across London.
The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.
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Notes to editors
- The motion was agreed by 11 votes for and 7 votes against
- Emma Best AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.