 | | The Prime Minister appointed his long-term ally Ed Balls as Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, with John Denham as Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills in a separate department.
Officials said Mr Balls will be responsible for families, schools, youth justice and "the respect agenda". He will also oversee the role of colleges in teaching the Government's high-profile new diplomas for 14 to 19-year-olds.
Mr Denham, a former Home Office minister, is set to have responsibility for universities and the rest of the work of further education colleges.
John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: "It is wrong to split the department because colleges will be serving two departments. Having said that, it means that education has two places at Cabinet level - which can only be good."
Mick Brookes, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: "We are all wondering how the split is going to work with the 14-19 agenda and the importance for the diplomas of joined-up working between higher education, schools and industry."
Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teachers' union, said: "It is the Government's prerogative to determine the departmental structure it wants.
"However, for the education service to continue to respond effectively, 'joined up' government is essential. In this context the new structure raises a raft of key questions to be answered, particularly the relationship between schools and skills," she said.
"By proposing these changes the Prime Minister has recognised how huge and challenging the education portfolio has become. All this change provides an interesting twist in the tale. We look forward to seeing the detail of these changes. Let's hope there's no sting in the tail."
Dr John Brennan, Association of Colleges chief executive, congratulated Mr Denham on his appointment as Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
"We welcome the Prime Minister's bold decision to give special focus to skills with the establishment of this new department," he said.
"It is of critical importance for young people, parents and employers that there should be coherence between pre- and post-16 learning and skills."
June 28, 2007
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