Features

On Sunday 17 February 2008, the Politics Show had a live interview with the Schools Minister and Dorset South MP Jim Knight.  We asked you to put your questions to him.

Parents will take to the streets, use their life savings and even move house to try to get the best education for their children.  It's an issue which inflames passion and across the South schools are again fuelling a heated debate.

Peter Henley interviewed Jim Knight MP

There are protest marches almost every week on the Isle of Wight where up to forty primary schools could be closed.  The council insists drastic action is needed as almost a quarter of primary school places are unfilled.  But parents argue that successful small rural schools will shut having a big impact on both the children and the local community.

Many parents are anxiously waiting to hear which school their child will go to in September. 

Brighton and Hove is one of the first education authorities to this year use a lottery system to award places at the most popular secondary schools which are heavily over subscribed.  It's been controversial as it means some pupils won't get a place in their nearest school even though they live in the catchment area.

Listen to what Jim Knight MP had to say about the state of our education system.