As the Conservative party held its annual conference this week

how has its education policy shaped up? In the last of three party 'manifestos', James Pawsey MP speaks for the party.
Knowledge to choose the best for your child
EVERY PARENT WANTS the best for their children, with greater opportunities than they themselves experienced. The present Government believes that this can be achieved by greater diversity and choice in schools. It is for this reason that we support denominational schools and insist that Religious Education be provided in all maintained schools. In voluntarily aided schools, RE must be provided in accordance with a school's Trust Deed.
We do not believe that one type of school is right for all the nation's children. We have therefore retained Grammar schools, introduced Grant Maintained Schools and City Technology Colleges and the Assisted Places Scheme. The introduction of the National Curriculum, testing and a new form of school inspection OFSTED are all measures designed to improve the quality and standard of state educadon.
Parents should possess the knowledge which will enable them to choose the right school for their children hence league tables. In the past, parents made decisions based on nothing better than school gate gossip. League tables provide additional and factual information on which they might base their opinion. It is my view that parents know best what is right for their children.
There it no doubt about the Government's commitment to denominational schools. We acknowledge the fact that in many cases they serve as beacons of excellence and not only provide high quality education in their own right, but also serve to lift standards in other schools by their example. Catholic schools in particular are often over-subscribed, with non-Catholics seeking to enter their children into what they perceive to be a more caring and disciplined environment, We wish to place greater responsibility in the hands of both schools and parents. This is underlined by Local Management of Schools and the move towards Grant Maintained Status. We want schools to accept additional responsibility so that children leave school not just literate and numerate, but also with a clear understanding of right and wrong.
Since 1988, the Government has introduced a series of reforms, and there is little doubt that these have added substantially to the workload of teachers. I have long held the view that the overwhelming majority of the nation's teachers are committed both to their profession and to the children in their charge.
I therefore welcome the increase that has taken place in their remuneration and believe that it better reflects their increased responsibilities. I also welcome the simplification of the National Curriculum and Testing so that it is now less burdensome. The basic principles have been maintained but the workload has been reduced. Finally we acknowledge the role that denominational schools play in our society and are committed to their retention.
James Pawsey, a Catholic, is MP for Rugby and Kenilworth and Chairman of the Conservative Backbench Education Committee.