26 June 2007: The Sutton Trust recently hosted a seminar to examine the pros and cons of forming an independent Education Policy Committee to take responsibility for some key elements of education strategy and decision-making.

Speaking in favour was Dr Jim O’Neill, Head of Global Economic Research at Goldman Sachs, Chairman of SHINE and author of an article in the Financial Times calling for the creation of such a body based on the model of the Monetary Policy Committee. Speaking against was the former Education Secretary, Rt Hon David Blunkett MP. The session was chaired by Barry Sheerman MP, Chairman of the Education and Skills Select Committee.