Grant-maintained Schools

HC Deb 27 October 1993 vol 230 c667W

Mr. Don Foster

To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many grant-maintained schools he expects to be operating by April 1994.

Mr. Robin Squire

We have never set targets for numbers of grant-maintained schools, nor do we intend to. Seeking self-governing status is a matter for parents at individual schools, and statutory proposals to my right hon. Friend are decided on their merits.

There are currently 693 self-governing schools, and an additional 63 have been approved for incorporation by April 1994. A further 221 schools have applications in the pipeline, and a significant number of others may be expected to arrange ballots between now and April.