Charlotte Cane MP condemns shortsighted cuts to IB funding in Parliament

Charlotte Cane, MP for Ely and East Cambridgeshire, spoke in a Westminster Hall debate this week against the Government’s plans to cut funding for International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas.

The announcement, made without warning or consultation last month, would see the Government end Large Programme Uplift funding for the IB in all state schools, in a move that jeopardises the education of thousands of students.

The Government intends to end this funding from the next academic year, leaving in severe doubt the education of those who began their IB Diplomas in September, and those intending to start next year. It also represents a serious limitation of post-16 further education options for students, who will be forced into much more restrictive A-Level or apprenticeship programmes.

Charlotte spoke in protest against these senseless cuts, standing up for her constituents with children currently in IB education and advocating for the broadest possible range of choices for students entering post-16 education.

Charlotte spoke alongside colleague Ian Sollom, MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire.

After the debate, Charlotte said:

“I was grateful for the opportunity to stand up today on behalf of both my constituents who study the IB at Impington College, and the principles of choice and opportunity in education.

“The Government’s plans to cut IB funding, and its conduct demonstrated in communicating with schools has been disgraceful, and I was deeply disappointed to hear that the Minister refused to rectify this shortsighted decision. Though I welcome the Government’s increase in overall 16-19 funding, the simultaneous choice to limit students’ choices and cut IB funding is fundamentally nonsensical.

The Government must now demonstrate how it will demonstrate that the ‘transitional funding’ for those currently completing their IB Diplomas will guarantee is sufficient, such that their quality of education is not guaranteed.”