§ Mr. GOLDSTONEasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the effect of Circular 786 will be to prevent the nomination of a considerable number of candidates for art pupil teacherships who have already been preparing to become art teachers but who cannot satisfy the present requirements of the Board of Education, and will thus be prevented from becoming art teachers, after having spent several years in preliminary training without being aware that conditions subsequently imposed would debar them from proceeding further with their training; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Trevelyan)The Board have no information as to the number of students in. Schools of Art who may have any intention of becoming candidates for art pupil teacherships, but most of such students will have had ample notice to enable them to attain the moderate standard of general education, evidence of which is required by the circular from persons desiring certificates as teachers of art. The Board are advised that an improvement in the general education of teachers of art is necessary, and they consider that they would not, therefore, be justified in encouraging inadequately equipped candidates to enter upon a teaching career. The Board's regulations for the admission of art pupil teachers were amended in 1910, so as to make quite clear that they required to be satisfied as to the preliminary general education of candidates.
§ Mr. GOLDSTONEasked the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the late issue of Form 461T to managers of schools of art and candidates for art pupil teacherships, he will consent to fix a later date than 1st June as that before which the forms must be returned to ther Board of Education?
§ Mr. TREVELYANMy right hon. Friend is willing to extend the period for the return of the form referred to until 1st July.