THE man hoping to be the next education secretary has said that more East Lancashire schools could become academies if Labour wins power next month.

Tristram Hunt said that the main priority for schools is to provide high-quality education, whether that be as part of the local education authority or an academy trust.

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He also said that it was up to local headteachers and staff members to raise expectations in deprived areas.

The shadow education secretary was speaking during a visit to Blessed Trinity RC College in Burnley yesterday alongside the town’s Labour candidate Julie Cooper.

Mr Hunt spoke to 90 students from years seven, eight and nine about the future of education before fielding questions on topics including home schooling, his relationship with leader Ed Miliband and the school council.

He then visited Nelson and Colne College and spoke with students about apprenticeships.

He also met principal Amanda Melton and took part in a discussion with county councillor Azhar Ali and student governor James Goodall.

Mr Hunt, who is standing in Stoke Central, said: “I really enjoyed speaking with the students and they came up with some very interesting questions.

“We take a much more neutral approach to academies because it’s important that schools are not dictated to by a person in Whitehall.

“The most important thing for any school is that its students get the best possible education. We want quality to rise across the country, and if that means schools become academies then so be it.”

Burnley councillor Julie Cooper said that Burnley was well equipped to raise standards at the town’s schools.

Blessed Trinity headteacher Michael Varey added that Mr Hunt’s visit was an exciting opportunity for his students and that he raised interesting questions about the future of education.

Mrs Melton, of Nelson and Colne College, said: “Tristram learnt about our strong partnership with local employers and how the apprentices we place with them are helping their companies to grow and succeed.

“His pledge for all young people who achieve the right grades to be awarded an apprenticeship is really positive.”