Written question asked by Mike Penning (Conservative) on Thursday, 7 June 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 June 2018. It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Friday, 15 June 2018 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Politics: Education

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to (a) promote and (b) support political education in schools; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Political education is an essential part of a broad and balanced education that prepares young people for adult life. Citizenship education is in the statutory national curriculum at Key Stages 3 and 4. The programmes of study are designed to prepare pupils to play a full and active part in society, and are organised around core knowledge about democracy, Government, and how laws are made and upheld. Citizenship education also equips pupils with the skills and knowledge to explore political and social issues critically, to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments. Schools can also teach politics as part of their wider school curriculum if they choose to do so.

Secondary information