HC Deb 09 November 1982 vol 31 cc118-9W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will set out the criteria under which he is proposing to close initial teacher training courses at the Dartford site of the Thames polytechnic; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

My right hon. Friend took into account a wide range of factors includingthe efficient use of resources the commitment of the institution and the maintaining LEA or providing body to teacher training the strangths of the institution the size of the commitment to education the relationship between teacher training and other courses the existing base for primary work recruitment patterns facilities and resources the relationship between PGCE and BEd courses in-service training geographical distribution of institutions the proportion of places previously allocated to the different denominational interests.

Institutions were not considered in isolation and it would be a misunderstanding of the process to attempt to identify specific factors in respect of individual institutions.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what alternative teacher training opportunities will be available in Kent and south London if specialist primary and PE courses are withdrawn from the Dartford site of Thames polytechnic.

Mr. Waldegrave

We have decided that initial teacher training should be discontinued at Thames polytechnic. Primary courses will continue in Kent at Christ's Church college, Canterbury; within the Greater London area south of the River Thames at Avery Hill college, Goldsmiths' college, Kingston polytechnic, Roehampton institute of higher education and the polytechnic of the South Bank. Avery Hill college will also offer PE training.