Britain learning lessons in education from overseas best practices: minister

LONDON, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Britain is learning from international best practice with programs like the Mandarin Excellence Program, Damian Hinds said Monday, in his first speech as Education Secretary at the Education World Forum.

In front of 80 education ministers from around the world, Hinds highlighted the importance of international co-operation and openness.

In his speech, he focused on what they could learn from each other when tackling common issues and challenges, as well the knowledge they could gain from each other's successes to help ensure every young person had access a world-class education.

Hinds, appointed in Prime Minister Theresa May's recent reshuffle, said: "Standards are rising in our schools. Thanks to our reforms and the hard work of teachers, there are 1.9 million more children in good or outstanding schools than in 2010.

"Nine out of 10 schools were given this rating at their last inspection, and our recent rise up the international rankings for reading and literacy puts England's achievements on a global scale," he said.

He said that as well as learning from other countries, education is also one of Britain's biggest export earners.

The education secretary's speech comes days after he confirmed further plans to drive up education standards across England and increase opportunity in the areas that need it most.

His announcement included support for under-performing schools alongside a package of measures to offer young people more opportunities to make the best of their lives in social mobility "cold spots".

Attended by more than 500 people, the three-day Education World Forum is supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for Education, the Department for International Trade, the Department for International Development, the British Council and industry partners. Enditem