HC Deb 12 February 1991 vol 185 cc432-3W
13. Mrs. Currie

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on progress on grant-maintained schools.

15. Mr. Hind

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many applications he has received from schools for grant-maintained status; and if he will make a statement.

18. Mr. Janman

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the progress of grant-maintained status awarded to schools.

Mr. Eggar

A total of 93 schools have now submitted proposals to my right hon. and learned Friend, and he is awaiting a further 18 proposals following ballots in favour. Of the 93 applications, 60 have been approved, 12 rejected and 21 have yet to be decided.

Mr. Harry Greenway

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will outline the advantages to pupils, parents and teachers of a school opting for grant-maintained status and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

GM schools have many advantages for pupils, parents and teachers. The schools are run by local people; they can make their own decisions about how to make the best use of resources, including a part of LEA expenditure on centrally provided services; their governors and heads have greater autonomy than is provided by local management of schools; and they are proving popular with parents.