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Nick Gibb vows to stamp out homophobic bullying in schools
EB News: 24/07/2017 - 11:17
Schools Minister Nick Gibb has pledged to wipe out the use of the word "gay" as a term of abuse in schools, according to the Evening Standard.
The news comes as the Government launches an LGBT survey which aims to understand the experiences of LGBT individuals across the UK and help identify ways to improve public services for LGBT users, including health and education. The survey will run for 12 weeks until 15 October.
In an article for the Mail on Sunday, Gibb said: "Having felt the need to be silent for decades about my sexuality, I am determined to make a positive difference. I will be tireless in ensuring that all gay, lesbian, bi and trans people can live free, happy and fulfilling lives."
He added: "Bullying at school is cruel, particularly as LGBT pupils are coming to terms with their sexuality or gender. I am determined that we stamp out the use of the word gay as a pejorative term."
The government is inviting EdTech companies and AI labs to develop AI tutoring tools, in collaboration with teachers, to ensure they support classroom practice.
Job adverts for secondary school teaching roles have dropped to their lowest level in nine years, raising fresh concerns about teacher recruitment in England.
The government has announced the locations of 19 new Technical Excellence Colleges, backed by £175 million investment in skills training in priority areas.