§ Mr. Anthony CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the implementation of open enrolment in secondary schools.
§ Mr. FallonThe provisions of the Education Reform Act 1988 relating to school admissions came into effect for all secondary schools on 4 August this year. These provisions do away with the artificial limits placed by some local education authorities on the number of pupils admitted to particular schools, thus increasing parents' chances of securing a place for their child at the school of their choice. Following the introduction of pupil-led funding the "more open enrolment" provisions also provide a clear incentive for schools to raise educational standards.