Damian Hinds: Labour is wrong to turn its back on academies

Putting teachers and heads in charge has consistently allowed schools and pupils to excel. We must continue to put our trust in them.

Damian Hinds: Schools policy. Memo to Labour: going backwards isn’t progressive

Rayner’s new proposals would mean that the progress we have seen over the last eight years would be sacrificed – and it is our kids that would pay the price.

Damian Hinds: Social mobility. When narrowing the gap, the earlier you start the better

Among seven-year-olds in 2012, 24 per cent of free school meal recipients did not reach the expected level in reading, versus 10 per cent of their better off peers.

Damian Hinds MP: Let’s have more Tough Young Teachers – in more places

Teach First has turned London from educational problem child to success story – it must spread more widely across the country.

Damian Hinds MP: Character matters as much as qualifications when it comes to career success

Young people need to be rounded, confident and resilient to get ahead in the workplace – that matters just as much as GCSEs.

Damian Hinds MP: When narrowing the gap, the earlier you start the better

Among seven-year-olds in 2012, 24 per cent of free school meal recipients did not reach the expected level in reading, versus 10 per cent of their better off peers.