High Peak Conservative parliamentary candidate Robert Largan has welcomed an announcement from Education Secretary Damian Hinds that will see £10 million invested in leading tech companies to cut teacher workload, support professional development and improve student outcomes.

The Education Technology Strategy will support innovation and raise the bar in schools throughout the country, including those across High Peak, which is on top of the £500,000 real term increase in the block funding local schools will receive next year.

The strategy will find ways to support learners with conditions such as dyslexia using technology – to help offer them extra independence in learning.

Commenting on the strategy, Robert Largan said:

“It’s important to harness the power of technology to tackle common challenges, and to ensure those working in education are equipped with the necessary skills and tools to meet the needs of schools, colleges, and their pupils.

“Technology is an enabler and for some children, technology can have a profound effect in opening up channels of communication – making learning accessible in ways not possible without the intervention of technology.

“From talking to teachers, I know the measures contained within the strategy aimed at reducing teacher workload will be welcomed so that they have the time to focus on teaching, their own professional development, and are able to cater to the needs of every single one of their pupils.”