§ Mr. Aspinwallasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what Government funding is available to provide the necessary facilities for the new GCSE courses and examinations within the county of Avon.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Government have directed substantial resources to ensure the smooth introduction of the GCSE, in addition to local education authorities' own plans. In support of expenditure for books and equipment in schools in Avon we have made available £251,200 through education support grants this year. A further £178,200 will be supported through ESG in 1987–88. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment in conjunction with the Manpower Services Commission has made a grant of £81,400 available to Avon for the provision of scientific and technological equipment in schools.
For the introductory GCSE in-service training programme, expenditure up to £132,260 has been supported in Avon. Under the new arrangements for in-service training in 1987–88, expenditure of £276,000 has been set aside to support the continuing training of teachers of the GCSE in schools and further education in Avon.