Tony Lloyd demands establishment of a Rochdale Education Challenge

Tony Lloyd, MP for Rochdale

Speaking in Parliament this week, Tony Lloyd demanded the establishment of a Rochdale Education Challenge.

Mr Lloyd said Rochdale schools and colleges have been underfunded by the government.

He mentioned Meanwood Primary School as a great school with great teachers. Meanwood has lost one teacher and lost many teaching assistant hours.

He said: "Children who need a great primary school have been denied this."

He added: "Our further education college has also received cuts over many years, and this is undermining the education and training excellence that Hopwood Hall college can offer when it is properly funded.

"The last Labour government introduced the London Challenge which saw more money put into schools in London, but also built a strong partnership between schools, colleges, parents and teachers.

"This saw a dramatic improvement in both education and results in London. Rochdale needs the same Challenge.

"A Rochdale Challenge would give our young people and adult trainees a chance to achieve what they really deserve.

"It is now down to the Government to respond."