§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what right of appeal exists for parents refused a place for a child at the city technology college in Bradford; and what representations she has received about the catchment area of the Bradford CTC; [4441]
(2) what guidance she has issued to the city technology college in Bradford concerning the catchment area of the college; for what reason (a) the BD15 postcode area is included and (b) the BD13 post code area is excluded; how far each is from the college; and if she will make a statement. [4442]
§ Mrs. GillanDixons city technology college in Bradford recently sought approval from the Secretary of State for an extension to its catchment area. In the light of representations from Bradford LEA, the local diocesan boards and a number of schools in the vicinity, a limited extension was agreed for admissions for the 1997–98 academic year onwards. The extension includes the BD15 post code; coverage of the BD13 post code was not requested. Both these post code areas are some 2.5 miles from Dixons CTC at their nearest point, but BD13 extends further away from the school.
Dixons CTC offer an appeal procedure for parents refused a place for their child. The appeals procedure is explained during the admissions process and written details are automatically given to parents of every unsuccessful pupil.