Alison Bennett

Alison Bennett

Liberal Democrat — Mid Sussex

Speaking in the House of Commons on 29 October 2025

Debate

International Baccalaureate: Funding in State Schools

Contribution

My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I wholeheartedly agree with her. The Government say they want to widen participation in higher education and to boost skills, but cutting funding for the IB does the opposite; it narrows opportunity and stifles aspiration. Therefore, I again urge the Minister to reconsider this decision, to ensure that schools such as Varndean can continue to offer this world-class qualification in the future. Last Monday, during Education questions, I asked the Minister whether he would consider meeting students from Varndean. Given that Donna-Marie Janson, the school’s principal, is sitting behind me in the Public Gallery, I am sure that his officials could swap numbers with her and set up such a meeting, so will he arrange that meeting? The IB is a symbol of what education should be— ambitious, inclusive and world class. We must not let it become the preserve of the few.

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