Schools Minister quote

In inner London, 53.4% of pupils do not speak English as a first language. Surprised?

Jim Knight

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(UK Schools Minister): "The evidence is clear that children with English as a second language make exceptional progress and are rapidly closing the gap with native speakers."

Is "exceptional progress" really correct?  Is he trying to say that the standards of children who speak English as a first language are slipping or are simply not as capable as those who do not?

These quotes can be twisted to suit any purpose...