§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what schemes he is sponsoring to help less academically able children; how much is involved; if he will give full details of the schemes in the Official Report; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William SheltonOn 16 July my right hon. Friend announced plans for a programme of development projects in seven or eight local education authorities, beginning in September 1983, which would aim to provide more effective education for lower-attaining pupils, especially in the last two years of compulsory education. My right hon. Friend has invited interested local education authorities to put proposals to him, and we will announce details of the projects which are selected in due course. The total cost of the programme to the Government will be some £2 million in a full year.