HC Deb 20 November 1992 vol 214 cc400-1W
Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education what action he intends to take further to promote the assisted places scheme.

Mr. Forth

The scheme is receiving wide publicity in the parents charter, copies of which have been made available to all parents. The publication from next year of tables showing the comparative performance of all local schools, including independent schools, will also bring to the attention of parents everywhere the excellent results achieved by assisted places schools, among others. The Department also distributes 175,000 leaflets a year explaining the benefits of the scheme to parents. Schools offering assisted places are best placed to promote the scheme in their area and they are continuing to do so with excellent results. Take-up of new assisted places is at record levels and the scheme is now more popular than ever with parents.