HC Deb 27 October 1949 vol 468 cc1489-91
7. Mr. Ivor Owen Thomas

asked the Minister of Education how many marks were required in the last examination for grammar school places in Shropshire for pupils to gain entry at each school without interview; and how many marks were required for pupils to gain an interview at each school.

Mr. Tomlinson

I have not got particulars of the marks but they are not the only factors taken into account in determining admission to the grammar schools in Shropshire. There is some variation in the standard required for entry to these schools. This is due to a variety of causes, especially to the uneven distribution of the present facilities for secondary education. In general, however, I am satisfied that the proportion of pupils admitted to grammar schools in different parts of Shropshire compares not unfavourably with that in other similar areas.

Mr. Thomas

Would my right hon. Friend indicate whether his reply means that a child or children of a higher attainment at one school are debarred from entering to the higher school although their standard may be substantially better than that of children who are granted entry at other schools?

Mr. Tomlinson

That could possibly be so if they were in two separate areas in the county.

Mr. Thomas

Does not my right hon. Friend think that it is about time some attempt at standardisation and equalisation of treatment of pupils at the different schools was made through some action on his part?

Mr. Tomlinson

That is one of the things we are striving to bring about. The problem of distance sometimes enters into the matter; but in principle I certainly agree.

Mr. Turton

Although the Minister knows the marks, are the parents informed about the number of marks required to qualify?

Mr. Tomlinson

No. Not to my knowledge.

Mrs. Leah Manning

Is my right hon. Friend taking any steps to impress upon local education authorities the need for some modern methods of choosing children for secondary schools in accordance with the 1944 Education Act?

Mr. Tomlinson

Yes, but there are so many different ideas among the experts as to the best method of choosing them that it is difficult to get anything in the nature of a standardised system throughout the country.

12. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Education whether he is aware that there are at present vacant places at the Thirsk, Easingwold, and Yorebridge Grammar Schools in the area of the North Riding of Yorkshire; that in the neighbourhood of these grammar schools there is at present a lack of secondary modern schools which is causing grave overcrowding; and what action he proposes to take to secure the intentions of the Education Act, 1944, are fulfilled in these areas.

Mr. Tomlinson

I am informed that owing to a decline in the local child population there are at present not enough suitable pupils to fill all places at these three grammar schools. I am also informed that there is no grave overcrowding in other schools in their neighbourhood. I am satisfied that the intentions of the Education Act are being fulfilled by the local education authority's plans for new secondary modern schools.

Mr. Turton

Is the Minister aware that these conditions of shortage of pupils in grammar schools and of overcrowding in secondary schools are general throughout the country and will be accentuated by the cuts in school transport and the school meals programme; and will he, in the interval while this failure of administration is occurring, fill up these grammar schools?

Mr. Tomlinson

I am certainly not aware of the fact stated by the hon. Gentleman, because it is not the case. This is the only case of which I know where vacancies in the secondary schools are not filled immediately.