He promised to examine the new schools funding formula and make sure resources were fairly allocated.
He also said he wanted to tackle the skills deficit, “particularly in science, technology, engineering and math subjects,” as well as improving standards “particularly in literacy and numeracy”.
He added: “As a former education minister, I bring recent experience of the policy and challenges the committee will face in the year ahead.
“But, to those who need reassurance, I am no establishment man. I will not be afraid to challenge ministers, leaders or the sector when needed,” he said.
The former political director of Conservative Friends of Israel said as part of his new role he would monitor the work of Anne Milton, his successor as apprenticeships and skills minster.
He said: “The whole job of the committee is the scrutiny, that’s the whole purpose of it – that’ll be my job.”
