§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools have held ballots to decide whether to seek grant-maintained status; how many of these ballots have resulted in a yes vote; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattenAs at 15 December, a total of 788 schools had held ballots on grant-maintained status, according to the Electoral Reform Society. Of these, 607—almost 80 per cent.—resulted in a vote in favour. This shows that enthusiasm among parents for seeking grant-maintained status continues at the level it has been over the last two years.