Grant-maintained Schools

HC Deb 29 January 1996 vol 270 cc566-7W

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many grant-maintained schools have applied for a change of character; what was the nature of the change; and what was the Secretary of State's decision. [12183]

Mrs. Gillan

There have been 211 applications for a significant change of character by grant-maintained schools. The following table shows the nature of the changes applied for and the Secretary of State's decision.

	Number
To add or extend sixth form
Applications	89
Approved	38
Rejected	.33
Under consideration	18
To add or extend nursery provision
Applications	49
Approved	16
Rejected	11
Under consideration	22
Other change of age range
Applications	44
Approved	40
Rejected	2
Under consideration	2
To add whole or partial selection
Applications	26
Approved	16
Rejected	5
Under consideration	5
To add or remove boarding
Applications	2
Approved	2
Rejected	0
Under consideration	0
Single-sex to co-educational
Applications	1
Approved	0
Rejected	1
Under consideration	0

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many grant-maintained schools interview as part of their admissions procedure. [12184]

Mrs. Gillan

Some 20 grant-maintained schools have approved admission arrangements which enable them to use interviews other than for the purpose of assessing religious suitability.