CONSERVATIVE MP Caroline Nokes is in the running for a top Commons job, scrutinising the government’s education policies.

The Romsey and Southampton North MP is standing to be the chairman of the education select committee, which runs the rule over issues in schools and colleges.

The key role would see Ms Nokes thrust into the spotlight with a media profile that would outstrip many government ministers.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, she immediately vowed to be an independent voice – challenging policies on academies, sixth form colleges and sex education.

Ms Nokes said: “This is one of the big public service committees and I’ve always had a big interest in education and helping young people achieve the very best they can.

“I believe that has to be about more than getting good GCSEs. It should also be about preparing young people for all the challenges that life throws at them.”

Among the key issues the MP identified are:

  • Recognising that converting local authority schools into academies does not, by itself, “solve the problem”.
  • Funding of sixth forms, which receive significantly less money, partly because they cannot claim back VAT.
  • Compulsory sex and relationship education in all schools – including in independent academies – although parents would still be able to opt out.
  • A shortage of teachers, particularly in the South-East and London.

This week, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan announced plans to convert struggling schools into academies by removing the rights of governors and parents to appeal.

But Ms Nokes said: “The jury is very much out. It comes down to leadership and there are academies that are not succeeding.”

On the issue of sixth-form funding she added: “The fight goes on to level the playing field for sixth forms, which is a very important issue in Hampshire.”

In the last parliament, ministers were criticised for refusing to make sex and relationship education compulsory in all schools.

Ms Nokes allied herself with those critics, saying: “It should be called relationship and sex education, because it’s about giving young people self-belief and the strength of personality, first and foremost."

As well as a high profile, committee chairmanships include a £14,728 bump in salary.

After nearly a year as an unpaid parliamentary aide to the disabled people minister, Ms Nokes turned down a similar role to run for the education committee.

MPs vote on June 17, using the alternative vote system rejected for electing MPs to Westminster in a 2011 referendum.