§ Q116. Sir Michael ShawTo ask the Prime Minister what representations she has received in the past year seeking to abolish the assisted places scheme and withdraw charitable status from independent schools.
§ The Prime MinisterI have received no recent representations on these matters. This year the assisted places scheme will make available up to 33,000 places at 278 independent schools throughout England. The scheme continues to provide an important means by which parents who would not otherwise be able to afford to do so can receive financial help towards sending their children to independent schools.