The Education Select Committee, with its new Chair and 10 MP members, has announced its initial programme of work.

The Committee has agreed that its work in this Parliament will focus on two themes: social justice and productivity.

Robert Halfon MP, Chair of the Committee, said: “How our education system helps to improve young people’s lives and puts them on the ladder of opportunity will be placed front and centre of our programme of work.”

The Committee has already announced its first two inquiries covering the topics of value for money in higher education, and ‘alternative provision’ – the education of young people who do not attend mainstream schools.

The Committee will also hold early hearings with the Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, and Ofqual’s Chief Regulator, Sally Collier, once Parliament returns from party conferences in October.