Former chancellor George Osborne will be questioned by MPs about the state of education in the North of England.

The Commons Education Select Committee will quiz him in his capacity as chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP), asking about the current state of education in the North of England and how to improve schools and training.

He will be joined at Wednesday’s session by NPP vice-chair Lord Jim O’Neill and director Henri Murison.

The NPP was set up in 2016 to represent the voice of business and civic leaders across the North. It published its third report on Educating the North in February, which said improving schools there should be at the top of the in-tray of education secretary Damian Hinds.

Education in the North has come under repeated criticism recently, with the children’s commissioner highlighting “poor schools” in the area, and former Ofsted chief inspector Sir Michael Wilshaw saying acadamisation has failed to raise standards in the region.

MPs’ questioning is likely to focus on ways to improve education in the North and its role in raising productivity and prosperity in the region, as well as what can be done to help disadvantaged pupils and address inequalities.

Robert Halfon, chair of the Education Select Committee, said: “George Osborne has been the driving force of the Northern Powerhouse and its efforts to boost the local economy by investing in skills and innovation. 

“It is crucial that the gap in education and skills between the North of England and other parts of England is closed. Where a child happens to live and go to school should not negatively impact on their future; all must get the resources and support they need to thrive in their careers ahead.

“The NPP’s valuable report on Educating the North highlighted the importance of high-quality education and skills, focussing on areas such as early years, career pathways, and apprenticeships and college learning.”